$29.2m Rural Enterprises Project-II achieves 59% work progress

As part of the government’s development programme to create wealth and reduce poverty in rural areas, the phase two of the Rural Enterprises Project (REP) was started.

The project which is under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) has reached 59% of work progress, a factsheet obtained from the MOTI stands at the 2nd Ghana Policy fair says.

“Total physical progress is about 59% as at June 2009,” the factsheet said.

According to the REP factsheet, the project which costs $29.2 million, has contributed to the reduction of poverty and improvement in the living conditions of the rural poor, and especially increased the incomes of women and vulnerable groups through increased self and wage employment.

“A total of 3,700 graduate apprentices have been supported by the project with equipment and tools in various trades including welding, hairdressing, tyre repairs, blacksmithing, carpentry, auto electrical, and dressmaking,” it said.

It added “the project, through the Participating Financial Institutions, has disbursed over GH₵1.3 million to more than 3,000 clients in credit.”

So far, the factsheet revealed that, the outreach of the project stands at 163,000 persons as beneficiaries. 73,000 are males and 89,000 are females all trained in various aspects such as small business management, community-based trade skills and in technology promotion and technical training.

According to the information 12,500 new businesses have been established across the country.

The project, funded by the Government of Ghana (GoG), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) started in June 2003 and will end this year 2011.
By Ekow Quandzie