TDA Awards Grants At US/Ghana Meeting

Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) entered into two separate grant agreements with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Ghana and Ghana Water Company Limited. The grants provide funding for feasibility studies to develop commercial salt production on Songhor Lagoon and a water delivery and distribution system between Sogakope, Ghana and Lom?, Togo.

Both studies will assess the technical, financial, economic and environmental attractiveness of implementing these important development projects in Ghana. Deputy United States Trade Representative Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., who led the U.S. delegation at this week's U.S.-Ghana Council on Trade and Investment meeting, signed both grant agreements on behalf of the U.S. government. Ghana's Minister of Trade and Industry, His Excellency Kofi Apraku, signed on behalf of the Ministry for the completion of the commercial salt production study.

Under the agreement, TDA will provide a $102,040 grant to fully fund a U.S. consultant to conduct a feasibility study on three commercial salt facilities on Songhor Lagoon. Mr. J. Nunoo, Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, signed the water delivery and distribution grant agreement on behalf of the Grantee. The grant agreement awards $440,000 to partially fund a U.S. contractor/developer to complete a feasibility study reviewing options for the delivery and distribution of water from the Volta River to Lom?, Togo. The project represents the best efforts of Ghana and Togo to develop a safe and effective water distribution system that will increase water safety and decrease the number of water-borne illnesses in both countries. The signing of the grant agreements followed the conclusion of the U.S.-Ghana Council on Trade and Investment meeting in Accra and represents an example of the U.S. Government's commitment to increasing Ghana's involvement in the regional economy through the country's development.

TDA is working with the U.S. Embassy in Accra and strong partners in Ghana to facilitate the country's development through the successful implementation of projects that increase Ghanaian employment and highlight U.S. export and investment opportunities in Ghana. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation in developing and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on economic sectors that represent significant U.S. export potential. By funding various forms of technical assistance, training grants, feasibility studies, orientation visits, and business workshops, TDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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