Two communities receive Gari processing machines

Nyaakoma (E/R), Aug. 7, GNA- The New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Adjei Boateng, on Wednesday presented two gari processing machines at a total cost of 22 million cedis to two communities to enhance their gari business in the Municipality.

One of the machines manufactured with funds from the Assemblies Poverty Alleviation Fund at a cost of 15 million cedis was presented to the Nyaakoma Farmers' Group Association, while the other, costing seven million cedis, funded from the Ministry of Women's and Children Affairs, was presented to the Korle Nkwanta Gari Processing Association.

At Nyaakoma, the Municipal Chief Executive referred to the cocoa pest and disease control programme as an example of Government's support to farmers and stressed that cocoa plants which are of age and has low yields would be treated for more yields.

Nana Adjei Boateng said the Government intends to construct markets at various towns where farmers could sell their produce direct to buyers without any influence from "Market Queen Mothers". He advised the people to take good care of the machines and make good use of it.

At Korle-Nkwanta, Nana Adjei Boateng announced that 25 million cedis would be given to the women to assist them in their gari business and hoped this would greatly reduce poverty in the area. He advised the people to pay their tolls and taxes. They should also contribute to the Mutual Health Insurance Scheme when it starts operating.

The MCE advised the people of the two communities on the dangers of the HIV/AIDS and urged them to always talk to their young ones about how to protect themselves from contracting it. He expressed regrets that the New Juaben area was currently leading with the prevalence rate of 8.5 percent. 07 Aug. 03