Government introduces GhanaCares Empowerment Program to generate approximately 200,000 employment opportunities in Ghana.
Transforming Ghana's Agricultural Landscape: The GhanaCares Economic Enclave Project
Get ready for a game-changer in Ghana's agricultural sector! The Millennium Development Authority, partnered with GhanaCARES Obaatan Pa Programme, has unveiled the initial phase of the GhanaCares Economic Enclave Project (EEP). nicknamed the Noryaa Akutso Economic Enclave Project.
This project, under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, is nestled in the Kasunya-Nyaphienya area of the Shai Osudoku District, bordering Tsokpoli in the Greater Accra Region. It's not just an ordinary piece of land; it's a designated mixed-use economic space, aiming to foster a flourishing environment for private sector involvement in commercial farming.
Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, who launched the project on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, emphasized that the EEP's primary objective is to substantially increase Ghana's productivity in rice, tomatoes, maize, soya, vegetables, and poultry, boosting the outcomes of the Planting for Food and Jobs policy.
The EEP's aims are two-fold: enhancing Ghana's food security, reducing the escalating food import bill, and tackling youth unemployment. Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta accentuated this at the launch, underscoring that upon a nationwide roll-out, the project is expected to generate over GH¢500 million in income annually for private sector participants.
The first phase of the project encompasses a 10,000-acre plot, with six more enclaves planned for other regions, including Ashanti, Central, Western, Western North, Savannah, and Oti Regions. A pilot phase has started, focusing on cultivating a 1,000-acre rice farm within the enclave.
Expectant job creation
Minister Ofori Atta revealed that the EEP aims to create over 200,000 jobs, with 105,000 direct and 95,000 indirect opportunities for unemployed youth. Participation in the project is open to agricultural landowners, private value chain workers of the priority commodities, and youth groups.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Robert Ankobiah, representing the sector minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, highlighted that the EEP initiative would reinforce the progress made by the Planting for Food and Jobs policy and stimulate numerous other benefits, such as improved road networks and market linkages.
Looking Ahead
The GhanaCares Economic Enclave Project is more than just an agricultural endeavor; it's a comprehensive initiative aiming to revitalize Ghana's agricultural landscape and propel commercial farming activities. As a crucial part of broader economic strategies, it will encourage economic growth, job creation, and stability, setting the stage for a prosperous future for Ghana's agricultural sector. While specific job creation figures for the GhanaCares EEP are still to be disclosed, similar projects have shown great potential in fostering employment opportunities. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!
The GhanaCares Economic Enclave Project, a key component of broader economic strategies, is poised to boost commercial farming activities in Ghana, particularly in rice, tomatoes, maize, soya, vegetables, and poultry. With the aim of creating over 200,000 jobs, the project is expected to generate substantial income for private sector participants, amounting to over GH¢500 million annually.
The initial phase of the project, named the Noryaa Akutso Economic Enclave Project, is located in the Kasunya-Nyaphienya area of the Shai Osudoku District, and encompasses a 10,000-acre plot. The project also plans to expand to other regions, including Ashanti, Central, Western, Western North, Savannah, and Oti Regions, with six more enclaves in the works.
The project's job creation focuses on agricultural landowners, private value chain workers of priority commodities, and youth groups. The Finance Ministry underlines that this initiative will not only enhance Ghana's food security and reduce food import bills but also stimulate numerous other benefits, such as improved road networks and market linkages.
As the project moves forward, it's anticipated that the GhanaCares Economic Enclave Project will foster a flourishing environment for business and finance, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Ghana's agricultural sector and the overall economy.
