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GENERAL

Minister appeals for support from U.S. Gov’t

Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Shani Alhassan Shaibu has appealed for technological assistance from the United States government to improve agricultural activities in the Northern Region.

Date Created : 7/25/2022 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Ghanadistricts.com

He made the appeal when the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, paid him a courtesy call at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

This happens to be her first official visit to any part of Ghana other than Accra. The visit provided an opportunity to see the significant achievements of the US Government and the Government of Ghana's partnership in the region.

On the issue of peace, the Minster assured Her Excellency that the security situation in the Northern Region is under control, and that the good people of Tamale are carrying on with their daily economic activities as usual.

He took advantage of the opportunity to thank the security agencies, chiefs, opinion leaders, and all residents of the region for their assistance in bringing the security situation under control, resulting in the peace that the region now enjoys.

In a submission, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer praised the Ghanaian government for recognising that inclusive economic growth in the North is critical to Ghana's economic development, as well as to peace and violent extremism.

As part of her trip, Ambassador Palmer visited the Nuts for Growth shea processing plant and assisted in the launch of the Global Shea Alliance and MasterCard Foundation’s Shea Business Empowerment Program.

The program will work with local shea collectors to transform their informal operations into well-structured small businesses and cooperatives that can more readily achieve economies of scale to participate in the global market for shea.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also awarded Nuts For Growth a $980,000 grant to catalyse private investment and increase the incomes of 20,000 women farmers in the region.

The Chief Director, Alhaji Alhassan Issahaku expressed gratitude to the U.S. Government for committing resources through USAID for projects to enhance governance and planning, as well as for the improvement of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in the region.

He believes that US assistance improves private sector engagement and accelerates the adoption of healthy hygiene practices in Northern Ghana.

The United States is Ghana's largest bilateral donor, and USAID focuses its development efforts in Northern Ghana on building resilient communities, channeling private sector growth, and empowering citizens, particularly women and youth.