The Ministry of Trade and Industry has presented Nissan Navara Pickup vehicles to the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and GRATIS Foundation to help strengthen their activities.

The two brand new 4x4 vehicles, valued at $25,000 each, were presented to the organisations under the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) on Thursday.

Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Minister of Trade and Industry, said the Rural Enterprise Programme was a $200-million programme put together by the Government with help from the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the African Development Bank to guide Ghanaians to start their own businesses.

He said the REP is part of the efforts of government to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in the rural areas.

Dr Spio Garbrah said the REP aimed at alleviating poverty, slowing rural-urban drift, and contributing to the creation of sustainable jobs.

The project also addresses the low level of technology and productivity, low income and un-competitiveness in production, processing and distribution in agriculture.

He said REP collaborated with NBSSI and GRATIS Foundation in addressing the challenges through transfer of technology, thereby improving the low level of technology and productivity as well as improving the low income levels of beneficiaries.

Mr Lukman Abdul-Rahim, the Executive Director of NBSSI, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the REP and pledged to use the vehicles for their intended purposes.

Mr David B. Atugiya, the Board Chairman of GRATIS Foundation, expressed his appreciation to the Rural Enterprises Programme for the kind gesture which would enhance the effective discharge of their roles.