The Government has given approval for the establishment of a National Plantation Development Programme (NPDP) that seeks to increase the forest cover, promote employment, and contribute to the fight against rural poverty.
Under this Greening Programme, 100 District Assemblies will actively be involved in the planting of trees in off-reserves areas beginning in the year 2010, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffuor said on Wednesday.
Presenting the government's budget and fiscal policy to Parliament, he said each District Assembly would employ 300 workers for the plantation programme.
"Thus, this will create 30,000 jobs within the period. By the end of 2011 more than 51,000 jobs would be created," he said.
On tourism, Dr Duffuor said it continued to be one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
"Government seeks to use tourism as a tool for poverty reduction in view of its significant economic potential."
Dr Duffuor said Government realizing the potential of tourism to create jobs and tourism related industries at communities with tourist attractions found it prudent to commence the construction of receptive centres for the provision of information, catering services, places of convenience. Currently, seven centres under construction need to be completed.
The Minister said three new tourist receptive centres will be constructed at Paga, Axim and Kpetoe to enhance attraction of those places namely: Paga Crocodile Pond, Axim Transit Point and Kpetoe Kente craft village respectively.
On women empowerment, Dr Duffuor said the Government would formulate and co-ordinate policies to promote gender equality and equity, the empowerment of women, particularly the vulnerable, rural and urban poor as well as facilitating the survival, protection and development of the Ghanaian child.
In addition, Government will continue to support the training of Gender Desk Officers in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, he said.
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