RTFs urged to help grow local industries

Mr. John Gyetuah, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, has urged the Management Board of the Rural Technology Facility (RTF) to be proactive and help provide strategic direction to grow local industries and create jobs.

The successful operation of the RTF, he said, would depend on the attitude, interest and commitment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially how the services of the facility are patronized.

Mr. Gyetuah was launching the Phase Two of the RTF in the Konongo-Odumase in the Asante-Akim North Municipality.

An 11-member Management Board for the facility was also inaugurated.

Built and equipped at a cost of GH¢180,000 it would serve Asante-Akim North, Bosomtwe and Asante-Akim South Districts.

The Rural Technology Facilities, which are supported by GRATIS Foundation and district assemblies, provide unique avenue for poverty reduction through the promotion of engineering/technology based micro-enterprises.

Sixty-six districts nationwide are participating in the project.

Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, the Ashanti Regional Minister, appealed to chiefs and the assemblies to do all they could to support the facility to achieve its objectives.

He said small scale enterprises played pivotal role in creating job opportunities and appealed to the people to take advantage of the facility.

Mr Kwasi Attah-Antwi, the REP Coordinator, said the project would provide basic tools and equipment to graduate apprentices to enable them to establish their own businesses.

He said more than 3,500 graduate apprentices have been supported with start up kits.

Nana Kofi Antwi, Odumasehene, appealed to land owners to release lands for development projects.

Tools and equipment including those for dressmaking, hairdressing, carpentry, welding and fabrication, barbering and motor vehicle mechanics were presented to 30 graduate apprentices free of charge during the ceremony.

Source: GNA