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Assembly to distribute 150,000 hybrid palm seedlings

The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly is set to distribute 150,000 hybrid oil palm seedlings to farmers and persons who hitherto were engaged in illegal mining activities.

Date Created : 7/13/2022 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Susana Danso/Ghanadistricts.com

The project is under the auspices of the Municipal Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The original aim of the project is to plant the seedlings in degraded mining sites as part of measures to restore forest cover and also distribute some of the seedlings to interested farmers who expressed interest in the project.

The project which has been in existence for four years is targeted at supporting the government’s Alternative Development Livelihood Program (ADLP) to offer alternative sources of income for people who were once engaged in illegal mining.

According to the Municipal Director, Mr. Godwin Amaning Kwarteng, his outfit was expecting some 150,000 seedlings for the project but the exercise has been divided into two phases to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

He said the first phase is made up of 100,000 seedlings and the second phase is also made up of 50,000 seedlings, adding that the first phase has started and distribution is currently ongoing.

He further entreated the youth to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

Mr. Kwarteng indicated that the various farmers and miners registered before accessing the program so all interested parties should follow suit.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Mr. Alfred Amoah urged the farmers and other growers to embrace the government's initiative and admonished the farmers to nurture the seedlings very well by fencing them.

He stressed that the source of funding for the project was the Minerals Development Fund (MDF). According to section 3 (b) of the Minerals Development Fund Act 2016, (ACT 912) the fund will "promote local economic development projects and alternative livelihood projects in communities affected by mining activities", he said.

Mr. Amoah reiterated that the youth should venture into agriculture because it is a lucrative business and it will also combat climate change and youth unemployment.

He therefore commended the various Mining Companies in the Municipality for their unflinching support for the project.