Twifo-Praso (C/R), April 13, GNA - About three million small scale distressed businesses nationwide have "been sprung back to life" and are recording improved production due to assistance from the Rural Enterprises Project (REP), Nana Ato Arthur, the Deputy Central Regional Minister, said on Wednesday.

He said about three billion cedis have been disbursed as loans to about 583 of such entrepreneurs, 54 percent of whom are women, to expand their businesses.

Also, at least 2,000 new small-scale businesses have been established and 7,400 jobs created.

Nana Arthur, who said this at a workshop to launch the REP in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District, said this was made possible through the effective implementation of the REP in 27 districts throughout the country.

The workshop was attended by chiefs, assembly members, small-scale entrepreneurs including dressmakers, oil palm, tie and dye, batik and soap producers.

He said the key objective of the REP was to strengthen small-scale businesses and to add value to their products.

Mr Samuel Yaw Agyeibi-Kessie, the District Chief Executive, said the assembly was in the process of developing a plan to provide infrastructure support for small-scale businesses. He said 100 million cedis have been set aside to support the REP in the district.

Mr Agyeibi-Kessie expressed the hope that the district would soon build vibrant small and medium scale businesses that would enable it to be self-reliant.