The government in partnership with the European Union and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), have created about 2,371 jobs in 10 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in Ashanti and Western regions.
This was under the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities (GrEEn) project, and a flagship initiative of the Ministry Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The GrEEn project aims at tackling irregular migration by developing climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting local economic growth with a focus on women, youth and returning migrants.
It is also aligned with the government’s policy framework applied in the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies 2021-2025.
Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, attributed the success of the project to a stronger collaboration with the private sector.
He said this at in a speech read on his behalf at the closing ceremony and knowledge-sharing by beneficiaries of the GrEEn project in Accra.
“Through this project, we have seen the power of collaboration between the Government, the private sector and our development partners, controlling the capacity of these groups,” he said.
“As we continue to scale up these efforts, it is important to acknowledge how these investments contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to local job creation and economic empowerment, feathering the Government’s commitment to decentralise development,” he stated.
The Local Government Minister acknowledged that the skills development, entrepreneurship, trade and financial literacy efforts had empowered thousands to access better livelihoods.
“Throughout the cycle of the Green Project, over 800 local government capacities have been enhanced in areas of climate change and financing, local information systems for climate change, mainstreaming climate change into development plans and budgets among others.
The Minister called for more support from the EU, UNCDF and all relevant stakeholders for the continuation and design of phase two of the project to cover more MDAs across the country.
Mr Jonas Claes, Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union, said the green growth served as a powerful strategy for creating new opportunities, improving quality of life, and ensuring community resilience to external shocks.
“Whether it is through climate risk-informed planning or green infrastructure investment, the GrEEn project proofs that Ghana’s future is brightest when both environment and economy come together,” he stated.
He expressed the EU’s commitment to continually support the country in scaling up innovations and embracing the lessons from this project to enhance the lives of returning migrants, while reducing unemployment.
“Together with the government of Ghana, UNCDF, SNV, and our private sector partners, we’ve laid the groundwork for continued green economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Ms Christel Alvergne, Regional Coordinator, United Nations Capital Fund (UNCDF), noted that the project had been successful, positioning the country for better opportunities in the green space.
“This moment signifies not only the culmination of collective efforts over the past five years but also a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for Ghana.”
The 10 beneficiary MDAs included Ejura-Sekyedumasi, Offinso, Offinso North, SekyereKumawu, SekyereAfram Plains and Adansi South in the Ashanti Region. The rest were Ahanta West, Jomoro, Nzema East, and Wassa Amenfi East in the Western Region.
The communities also benefited from social amenities such as bridges, mechanised boreholes as well as skills training on economic empowerment.
Source: GNA
