Government on Wednesday presented 15 trucks valued at GH¢567,600 to the Ghana Co-operative Butchers Association to help reduce transportation cost and facilitate the easy carting of animals to boost their business.

The vehicles were presented under the auspices of the Local Enterprises and Skills Development Programme, a unique business model for community development in Ghana.

The trucks were locally assembled in Ghana by the Vehicle Assembly Plant, which is a joint venture between the Jospong Group of Companies and three Chinese firms, Shenzhen Donfeng Motor Company, Dayun Motor Manufacturer Company and Hubei Yunyin Industry Company.

Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who presented the vehicles to the President of the Association, reiterated government’s commitment to support all trade associations and also train the youth under the LESDEP programme to enable them to expand their businesses.

He said it was much easier for government to channel its assistance to the Association because it was well-organised and its structures were well established.

He urged the Association to live up to the repayment commitments to allow others to benefit from the facility.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo said to further expand the development of major cities, Government and Agence Francaise De Development (AFD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for commencement of the Ghana Urban Management Pilot Project (GUMPP).

The project would be implemented in Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale Metropolitan Assemblies and Ho Municipality on pilot basis for five years.

GUMPP seeks to increase investment into urban infrastructure, improve planning and ensure financial autonomy.

The initiative, which would be executed with 40 million Euro loan and 0.5 million Euro grant for capacity building from AFD, has various programmes for urban infrastructure development and support measures tailored for each of the participating areas.

The physical projects identified to be executed include market development, bus and lorry parks, solid waste management and treatment, roads development, community upgrading and construction of storm drains.

Mr. Adem Gariba, National Coordinator of LESDEP, asked the Association to fulfil their repayment schedule for the equipment to enable others to benefit from the programme.

Mr. Gudivada Bhadvarat, General Manager Vehicle Assembly Plant Ghana, pledged good support services to buyers of the vehicles, saying there were ready parts in stock to meet any challenge.**