Edikanfo Project Launched In Accra

Edikanfo Project Foundations (EPF), a service oriented non -governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, yesterday launched the first EPF and Communicating America Educational Programme (CAEP), National Agriculture Human Resource Development and Exchange Programme in Accra.

The project is to mobilise human, material and financial resources in order to meet the most pressing needs of their operation.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Ernest Debrah,  in a speech read on his behalf by Mr R T Awuah, Principal of the University of Education, Winneba, lauded the initiative, saying it forms  part of the government's efforts and commitment in promoting private sector initiative.

According to the Minister, some of the challenges facing the Agriculture industry in the country, such as financing and mechanisation, are been actively pursued by the Ministry.

He added that his Ministry, in collaboration with Agriculture Development Bank, has extended credit facilities to a significant number of farmers under the National Livestock Development Project and Cashew Development.

Under the EPF, five scholarships will be awarded to best farmers yearly to embark on an exchange programme in the United States of America, he explained.

He stated 'a total of 900 tractors, 21 power tillers and 39 water pumps has been assembled and distributed to individual farmer groups and District Assemblies throughout the country.'

The Minister urged young farmers, agriculture students at the various universities and colleges in the country and staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, to take advantage of the  programme and explore way of making the sector vibrant .

The Projects Director of Edikanfo Foundations, Mr Patrick Kwabena Arthur, said  since the inception of the foundation, Edinkanfo has supported much development intervention through advocacy, education, development, training among others.