The US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ghana is assisting in the rehabilitation of four existing roads in the Kpando and Hohoe Districts in the Volta Region.

This would help boost farming and improve access of rural communities to markets and services.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the United States Embassy in Accra said the Millennium Development Authority would implement the $4.3 million project expected to be completed by July 2012.

It said USAID, Ghana, would fund the 46 kilometre roads from Dzigbe Junction-Dzigbe Tornu, Kpando-Alavanyo Kpeme, Aveti Tafi Atome-Logba Alakpeti and Tafi Atome-Vakpo Fu-Tafi Abuife.

“These feeder roads connect rural farming communities to the main trunk roads in the area, and will improve farmers’ access to markets, financial institutions, farm input suppliers, and other important community members, active within the agricultural value chain," it added.

The statement said the rehabilitated roads would provide greater connectivity between and within the districts, resulting in more timely deliveries and fresher farm produce, which would allow rural farmers to be more competitive in local, regional and international markets.

It said Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways and Ms Cheryl Anderson, USAID,Ghana Mission Director participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at Tafi-Atome on Tuesday, March 20.

Ms Anderson said; “This strategic investment in farm to market access roads is one of the building blocks for achieving results under USAID’s objectives of reducing poverty and improving food security in Ghana".

She said transport services would increase, travelling would be faster and more convenient, women and girls could travel safely further from home while the quality of rural health, education and other services were expected to improve better accessibility as well.

The benefits of the improved feeder road network would also spread across other districts, as drivers and vehicle owners would experience reductions in vehicle operation and time costs resulting from improved surface conditions.**