The Rural Enterprise Project of the Business Advisory Centre in alliance with West Gonja District Assembly has donated some working equipment to 38 graduate apprentices from various trades and vocations in the West Gonja District worth GH?17,467.40. Some of the equipment were Sewing Machines, Hair Dryers, Carpentry Equipment, Vulcanising tools, Barbering Machines and Electrical welding working tools.

The beneficiaries were from different vocational associations which include hairdressers, dressmakers, carpenters, welders, blacksmith, fitters and barbers. The Rural Enterprise Project is a project initiated by the government and with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to alleviate poverty in rural areas. However, the purpose of the donation was to support the various vocational workers in the district. The initiative seeks to equip the beneficiaries to be entrepreneurial and self-reliance and also to boost their income earnings. At the occasion, the West Gonja District Chief Executive Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, expressed his sincere gratitude to government for its quest to alleviate poverty.

He however, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, and must make sure the equipment will be put under good maintenance environment in order to make them durable. Hon. Mutawakilu, assured the public that, the District Assembly in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre is establishing a Rural Technology Facility for the district. He explained that, the project was to take care of the technological aspect of their vocation, thus, it will enhance work efficiency and promote easy access to maintenance of equipment. He also revealed that the contract has already been awarded to the contractor, and preparations are made towards the commencement of the project. In his presentation, the Head of Business Advisory Centre, Mr Alidu Ewura, encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment in order to increase their income level.

Nonetheless, Mr Ewura warned the beneficiaries not to sell their equipment, because the items were solemnly for free, he stressed that the monitory systems will monitor and culprits will be dealt with legally for selling the equipment. He said the Rural Enterprise Project have been extended for 8 years with effect from January 2012. He then assured them that, there will be more donations to other vocational workers in the district. Hence, they should not be relentless in their efforts to work hard in other to fend for themselves.

By Shallom Lumor

Princesshallom@yahoo.com