Assin-Fosu(C/R), July 11, GNA - Government has provided 800 million cedis as loans through the Women's Development Fund to women farmers in the Central Region to increase food production this year. In addition, they would be given technical assistance and tractors to expand their farms, while food processors in the region, would be assisted with agro-processing machines to add value to their products. Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, announced this at a day's seminar on "Government policies for women's empowerment and impact" at Assin-Fosu.

More than 500 women from various women's organizations attended the seminar, where they were briefed on government policies and programmes geared towards improving the living standards of women and children. Hajia Mahama, said Government was determined to generate employment and reduce poverty among women to enable them cater adequately for their children.

She therefore, asked beneficiaries of the loans to promptly repay them to enable more women benefit, since the Ministry was processing more applications for similar assistance.

Hajia Mahama, assured women that the Ministry was established to be their "voice" and would therefore, ensure that their views and concerns were articulated to enable them make informed choices and participate effectively in the decision making process.

On women's participation in politics, she urged more women to contest the forthcoming district level elections, announcing that the Ministry had launched a fund to support their campaign and urged well-meaning Ghanaians to contribute towards the fund.