Government is to establish 18 Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs') nationwide, to boost technology transfer and job openings, Mr John Gyetuah,Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry has said.
This, he said, would provide modern skill training to agro-processors, master craftsmen and
to micro and small scale entrepreneurs.
Inaugurating one of the facilities at Bibiani in the Western Region, Mr Gyetuah, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wassa-Amenfi West, said the facilities formed part of the Rural
Enterprises Project (REP) Phase II which aims at alleviating poverty and promoting private sector development.A total of GH¢165,000 was spent on the construction and installation of workshop equipment and tools on the Bibiani project.
The Government of Ghana, the International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly provided the funding.
Mr Gyetuah urged the RTF management board to ensure that the right directions were provided to help grow industries in the area.
They should ensure a strict maintenance regime to help operate the machinery at optimal level and also to prolong its lifespan.
Mr Akwasi Atta-Antwi, Project Coordinator of REP, praised chiefs in the area and the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly for providing land and funds to support the project.
He appealed to the Assembly to create an industrial site around the RTF premise where local
artisans would be re-settled.
The REP, since its inception in 2003, had trained over 163,000 people including 89,000 women in various employable skills.
He said it had additionally, supported 3,500 graduate apprentices with start up tools and equipment worth GH¢12,000.
Mr Moses Kofi Armah, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Chief Executive (DCE),challenged the Management board to manufacture simple but appropriate agro-processing equipment to add value to farm produce and raise income levels.