Govt earmarks 16 billion cedis for Jatropha production

Breman Asikuma (C/R), Dec. 12, GNA- Mr. Abraham Dwoma-Odoom, the Deputy Minister of Local Government Rural Development and Environment, on Tuesday said the government has earmarked 16 billion cedis for the cultivation of a Jatropha Plantation in the country.

He said 3 billion cedis out of the amount have been released to Onua Amoah and Co Group for the production of diesel from Jatropha Seeds. Mr Dwoma-Odoom said this at a forum in Breman Asikuma to launch the cultivation of a Jatropha Plantations on a large scale in the Central Region for the production of diesel and other products.

The Dwoma-Odoom said all the districts in the region have expressed interest in cultivating the plant, and appealed to chiefs and landowners to release land for the programme.

He assured the people of Breman Asikuma of the ministry's willingness to support them to complete the modern library Complex and the ICT Centre being constructed to help promote business. He said the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, have decided to organise a three-day conference at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi soon to deliberate on matters affecting the institution.

The Member of Parliament for the Area, Mr. Paul Collins Appiah-Offori through whose initiative the Jatropha Plantation was established in the district said some investors from Israel have expressed interest to establish a factory in the area for the production of diesel from the seeds of the plant.

He said the Agona Nkum-Odoben-Breman Asikuma road would soon be tarred and appealed to the people to cooperate with the contractor to ensure early completion.

The District Chief Executive for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Mr. Emmanuel Adjei Doomson announced that a 10-member committee has been put in place to plan the celebration Ghana's 50th Anniversary Celebration in the district.

He appealed to the youth who have not registered with the Youth Employment Programme to do so. Ten hardworking women in the community were presented with sewing machines donated by Mr. Appiah-Offori, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and the District Assembly.