Gov't targets growth of 36,000 new businesses under Rural Enterprises Programme

About 36,000 new businesses have been targeted to be grown across 161 districts under the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) as part of the government's push to fight poverty.

Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah, said this would be done through the combination of employable skills training, apprenticeship and master craftsmen training.

The programme is being jointly funded by the Ghana Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Dr. Spio-Garbrah said his outfit was working to bring in other funding partners to reach out to more people to lift them out of poverty.

His Ministry, he said would be meeting with donor partners in the coming months to lobby them to support the programme, to aid the people to create jobs for themselves.

He noted that this could significantly rein in the growing unemployment and boost the nation's economy.

The Minister was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an inspection tour to interact with beneficiaries of programme in parts of the Ashanti and Western Regions.

They include agro-processors, soap producers, bakers, bee-keepers, welders and poultry farmers.

The visit was to enable him to learn at first hand, the progress being made and the challenges.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah said job creation was a key priority on the government's agenda, and that, the Ministry would continue to work with zeal to help promote businesses and create wealth for the people.

He encouraged the beneficiaries of the programme to stick to best practices to sustain their enterprises.