UK Minister visits B-BOVID

Mpohor (W/R), April 11, GNA - Mr Desmond Swayne, United Kingdom Minister for International Development, as part of his visit to Ghana visited the site of the Building Business on Value Integrity and Dignity (B-BOVID), at Mpohor in the Western Region.

The visit to the B-BOVID also formed part of the Minister's agenda of gathering information on the impact of the oil find on the business community, the fishermen and inhabitants along the coast.

Mr Issa Ouadraogo, Chief Executive Officer of B-BOVID educated the UK Minister on the company's alternative livelihood programmes, innovative cassava processing centre, Agribusiness model and other ICT based skills aimed at bettering the lot of farmers.

He said already 2000 small holder farmers have been trained in technology driven agriculture to enhance food security.

'We are teaching students to also take interest in the subject matter as a means of diversifying the economy.'

Mr Ouadraogo added that the innovative cassava centre would train farmers in cassava variety cultivation and other alternative uses such as pizza, cake, noodles and flour.

The CEO of B-BOVID also called for investor support in expanding the operations of the company.

The UK Minister told the Ghana News Agency interaction with some chiefs and community members along the coast have revealed mixed feelings to the oil find.

He said while some said it had aided in developments in terms of electricity and water, others complained about the decline in fish stock and described the B-BOVID concept as 'attractive alternative'.

Mr. Swayne added that Ghana's oil find must become a blessing and the people must share in its prosperity through self-development.

'Let be honest, no one is going to give you money unless you help yourself,' he said.

GNA