Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-20 07:39:10
Trade and Industry Minister, Mr Kobina Tahiru Hammond recently inaugurated two business resource centres (BRCs) in Akropong in the Akuapim North District of the Eastern Region and Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region. These centres are funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the African Development Bank, and the Government at a cost of GH₵3.4 million each. The BRCs are part of the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP), which aims to enhance business growth in rural areas.
The Minister highlighted that out of the remaining 30 outstanding BRCs, 19 would be inaugurated in the coming days, while works on the remaining 11 were yet to be completed. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the expansion of the private sector in order to alleviate unemployment and enhance the quality of life in rural areas. The Minister also stated that the private sector required the necessary assistance to identify and explore business ventures to create long-term jobs.
The BRCs are designed to be a one-stop enterprise support unit for businesses and decentralised offices of business regulatory agencies, promoting the country’s industrial agenda. Mr Hammond emphasized the government’s intention to broaden the industrial base of the country, citing the flagship program “One District One Factory” as evidence of this commitment. The BRCs would provide potential investors and businesses with information about communities and advice on the best business areas to invest.
Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable economic development to ensure that the youth have access to business opportunities. She emphasized the BRCs’ role as a crucial resource for small enterprises in the two districts, providing them with essential expertise for expansion.
The Kontihene of the Akwapem North Traditional Area, Osahene Boafoa Ansah III, urged the Municipal Assembly to work hand-in-hand with the centre’s managers to establish a productive maintenance culture to preserve the facility.
The BRCs are aimed at providing support services to businesses in order to enhance their operations and foster economic growth in rural areas. The government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life in rural communities is evident through its continued investment in these business resource centres. Through these initiatives, the government is working to promote entrepreneurship, encourage investment, and facilitate sustainable economic development.
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