The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Collins Augustine Ntim, has said the government has so far secured an amount of GH¢3.35 million from the United States International Agency for Development (USAID) for the implementation of projects to improve developmental activities in the north of the country.
The support from the USAID has so far helped to improve health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), agriculture and social protection in rural communities especially, he added.
Mr. Ntim announced this at the launch of the new US$35 million Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING) II programme in the Nadowli Kaleo District of the Upper West Region.
The amount would be used for the implementation of September, October and November RING II activities ongoing across all eligible Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He noted that USAID was committed to implementing the project to complement the government’s agenda of improving the lives and welfare of citizens in rural communities.
“We, as the government, would continue to liaise with the private sectors to address the grievances of citizens for economic growth,” he said.
Acting Mission Director, Paul Pleva said: “Through the partnership, the government of Ghana and USAID have a unique opportunity to improve the nutrition and resilience of vulnerable communities in Northern Ghana.”
He stated that USAID will continue to source funding to implement projects that would benefit deprived communities through economic empowerment.
Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, commended the project implementers and USAID for their numerous support for the government and the people of Ghana.
According to him, the support has helped to improve the nutrition and resilience issues that pose major challenges in the effort to make life better for citizens in rural communities.
He called on the residents within the communities to take advantage of the opportunities at their doorstep to improve their lives as well grow their businesses.
“We as the Regional Coordinating Council would also do our best to ensure the money is utilised to achieve the set goals,” he added.
The five-year project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Ministry of Finance and National Development Planning Commission, and local governments.
It seeks to strengthen government systems to improve service delivery in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), agriculture and social protection.
