President Akufo-Addo, has commissioned the Tumu Business Resource Centre established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

According to him, the Centre will provide strategic support and assistance to the domestic private sector operating at the Sissala East district level.

Aside the business centre in Tumu, some sixty-seven Business Resource Centres (BRCs), have been established. The centres have currently commenced operations, with companies operating under Government’s 1-District-1-Factory.

Following this, they are set to benefit from the assistance to be provided by the BRCs. The Centres are financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and GRATIS Foundation are also the two implementing agencies.

Succeeding the assumption of office by the NPP Government in 2017, the Ministry of Trade and Industry took steps to restore the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP).

Rural Enterprises Programme

The programme was intended to respond to the emerging opportunities under the Government’s Industrial Transformation Agenda. This includes the 1-District-1-Factory initiative, and other related interventions.

Undeniably, the Rural Enterprises Programme is currently supporting some sixty three 1D1F projects.

Furthermore, the BRCs are being managed by experienced professionals and equipped with modern office logistics. They will subsequently be connected together digitally through a Virtual Private Network to facilitate efficient delivery of their operations.

Yet again, all the BRCs will liaise extensively with business regulatory agencies such as the Registrar Generals’ Department (RGD).

They will also keep close contact with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to provide a full business support services at the district level.

In addition to supporting 1D1F companies, at the district level, the BRCs provide other services to other MSME such as training in management and entrepreneurship.

Similarly, it will provide business counselling and advisory services, preparation of business plans, facilitating access to financial services and credit and facilitating access to markets.

At the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the Chiefs and people of Tumu. He further urged the people to offer their support to ensure that the Centre is able to provide the requisite assistance to the private sector.

This, he explained, is to enhance the development of the local economy of the Sissala East district and the surrounding communities.

President Akufo-Addo apologises

Meanwhile, as part of his tour in the Upper West Region, President Akufo-Addo has apologised to the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, and to the people of Wa for the brutalities meted out to some residents by some soldiers earlier this month.

Addressing Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, President Akufo-Addo revealed that the unfortunate incident was one of the reasons for his visit to the Region.

“One of the fair reasons why I came, is because of the incident that occurred here in Wa between the garrison, some soldiers here and the people of Wa. The military leaders have been here and they have promised you that they will deal with those who were responsible.

“I have come to add my voice to that of the soldiers, as well as the Minister for Defence, to say how sorry I am about the incident, and to let you know that we will do everything possible to make sure that such an incident is not repeated”.