Bibiani (W/R), Nov. 20, GNA - Government is to establish 18 Rural Technology

Facilities (RTFs') nationwide, to boost technology transfer and job openings, Mr John Gyetuah,

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry has said. This, he said, would provide modern skill training to agro-processo= rs, master craftsmen and

to micro and small scale entrepreneurs. Inaugurating one of the facilities at Bibiani in the Western Region= , Mr Gyetuah, who is the

Member of Parliament (MP) for Wassa-Amenfi West, said the facilities form= ed part of the Rural

Enterprises Project (REP) Phase II which aims at alleviating poverty and promoting private

sector development. A total of GH¢165,000 was spent on the construction and installation o= f workshop

equipment and tools on the Bibiani project. The Government of Ghana, the International Fund for Agricultural Development

(IFAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly provided the fundi= ng. Mr Gyetuah urged the RTF management board to ensure that the right directions were

provided to help grow industries in the area. They should ensure a strict maintenance regime to help operate the machinery at

optimal level and also to prolong its lifespan. Mr Akwasi Atta-Antwi, Project Coordinator of REP, praised chiefs in the area and

the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly for providing land and fund= s to support the

project. He appealed to the Assembly to create an industrial site around the=

RTF premise where local

artisans would be re-settled. The REP, since its inception in 2003, had trained over 163,000 people including

89,000 women in various employable skills. He said it had additionally, supported 3,500 graduate apprentices with start up tools

and equipment worth GH¢12,000. Mr Moses Kofi Armah, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Chief Executive (DCE),

challenged the Management board to manufacture simple but appropriate agro-processing

equipment to add value to farm produce and raise income levels. 20 Nov. 09