Akropong, Dodowa get business resource centres

 Two business resource centres (BRCs) to provide support services to busi­nesses in order to enhance their operations at Akropong in the Akuapim North District of the Eastern Region and Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region were jointly inaugurated by Trade and Indus­try Minister, Mr Kobina Tahiru Hammond.

Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), African Development Bank and the Government at a cost of GH₵3.4 million each, the centres form part of the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) which seeks to enhance business growth in rural areas.

Speaking at separate events at the weekend, Mr Hammond stated 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 restated the govern­ment’s resolve to support the expansion of the private sector in order to alleviate unemployment and enhance the quality of life in rural areas.

In order to do this, he said the private sector required the necessary assistance to identify and explore business ventures to create long-term jobs.

In this regard, Mr Hammond fur­ther explained that the centre was a one-stop enterprise support unit for businesses and decentralised offices of business regulatory agencies which would promote the country’s industrial agenda.

“The Government is purposeful­ly intended to broadening the indus­trial base of this country, hence the flagship programme which is “One District One Factory” which was designed to decentralise industries,” he said.

Mr Hammond also noted that the BRCs would provide potential inves­tors and businesses with informa­tion about communities and advice on the best business areas to invest.

“People who are trained in the BRCs would disseminate the reason why there is a need for the outside world, entrepreneurs, private sector to venture into your district to produce.

You must ensure that you put the centres into good use to be able to achieve its intended purpose,” he urged.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, said the government was committed to sup­porting entrepreneurship and foster­ing sustainable economic develop­ment to ensure that the youth have access to business opportunities.

She stated that the centre was a crucial resource for the 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.

 BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS