MDCEs must commit to implementation of REP

Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah, the Minister of Trade and Industries (MOTI) has asked Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to show greater commitment and support for the implementation of the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP).

As heads of local government authorities, MDCEs have a mandate to provide and support such critical intervention, designed to create jobs and employment opportunities for the teeming youth and generally improve the living conditions of the people in their respective areas.

“You should see the REP as a critical partner and support the Business Advisory Centres (BAC), one of its components, to be able to identify, create and grow business enterprises to improve incomes and reduce poverty”, the Minister said.

Dr Spio-Garbrah, made the call in Kumasi on Thursday, when he handed over 34 Nissan Navara double cabin vehicles, motor cycles, computers, photocopiers and other office equipment to 34 Municipal and District Assemblies newly enrolled unto the REP.

The vehicles are valued at GH¢ 3,186,800 whiles the computers and other office equipment cost GH¢ 333,584.

They were procured by the Government of Ghana with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Dr Spio-Garbrah said the government considered the expansion of opportunities for job creation and decent work very crucial to its agenda of building a better Ghana for the people.

This is demonstrated in its commitment to focus on policy initiatives that supported the creation of business opportunities, production and access to the necessary business development information.

Mr Peter Anarfi Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, in an address read for him, said the government was steadfast to its agenda of reducing rural poverty and improve living conditions in rural areas.

He charged MDCEs to show keen interest in the programme to ensure its successful implementation in their areas.

Mr Kwasi Attah-Antwi, the National Director of REP, said the items were part of the resources the programme provided to Municipal and District Assemblies, which were enrolled to support the implementation of the programme in the Districts.