Saltpond, (C/R), April 15, GNA - Dr Nii Moi Thompson, an Economist, on Tuesday urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to collaborate with stakeholders of the informal sector and exploit opportunities to boost activities of the sector in their localities. He noted that there were vast economic opportunities in that sector which when harnessed could boost the economic fortunes of the various districts and create jobs to reduce poverty.

At a two-day review workshop for members of the Mfantsiman District "Sub-Committee for Production and Gainful Employment" (SPDEs) at Saltpond, Dr Thompson, International Project Expert of the Local Economic Development (LED) called for an accelerated growth of the informal sector to improve on their economic activities. LED is a participatory development process to create decent jobs and to stimulate economic activity. The SPDEs were instituted in four districts in the Central Region on pilot basis, through the International Labour Organization's (ILO) and LED initiative.

It has been dubbed "Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP)" to promote dialogue and build partnership between the assemblies and small and medium scale businesses. One of its objectives is to exploit and harness opportunities and resources at the local level for increased production and job creation. As part of its poverty eradication programme, the DWCP targets mainly women and young entrepreneurs who are encouraged to form groups and partnerships to stimulate economic activities in their areas. Dr Thompson said four districts namely Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira, Mfantsiman and Efutu are benefiting from the programme adding that six more districts would be included this year.

He said the project sought to address low productivity, limited access to credit, low-level technological use as well as enhance innovation and stem poverty among farmers and other entrepreneurs. Dr Thompson said since its introduction in 2003 to 2007, the programme had chalked remarkable successes and the ILO would in that regard, focus on knowledge development and capacity building to make it policies more effective.

Mr Emmanuel Baisie, National Project Officer of LED, said the programme would focus on enterprise, local, human resource and community economic development. He urged the members to effectively communicate and coordinate activities among stakeholders in the informal sector to help sustain the programme. 15 April 09