The Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) - a research centre of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, held an interactive session with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) on Tuesday, 24th January 2023 at the CANR Conference Room. The meeting aimed to strengthen existing ties and explore potential areas for collaboration between the two parties.
On behalf of the Provost of CANR, Professor Enoch Adjei Osekre, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources extended a warm welcome to the Minister and his team. He added that the visit represents a significant milestone for the College, as they have been bestowed with a distinguished honour.
Honourable Daniel Botwe, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), in his address, stated that he had a welcoming reception at the best University in Ghana and is eager to further associate himself with KNUST. He stressed the need to deepen the collaboration with BIRD to heighten research on the restoration and protection of natural resources and rural development policies.
"To improve the quality of life for rural communities, it is important to engage all stakeholders, including researchers and policymakers, in finding beneficial policies to improve livelihood in rural areas," he said.
Mr. Eric Tetteh-Addison, Director of the National Rural Development Project (NRDP), highlighted the progress made by NRDP in modernising agriculture for rural growth and development, providing quality socio-economic infrastructure and services in a decent and secure environment, maximising the potential of rural areas for rural enterprise development and industrialisation, and promoting financial inclusion in rural communities.
According to him, NRDP aims to transform rural areas into smart growth centres through modernised agriculture and rural enterprise development to enhance the standard of living and eliminate poverty.
To strengthen the collaboration between BIRD and MLGDRD, Mr. Tetteh-Addison announced that they will work together to produce a yearly report on the state of rural development in Ghana. He further underlined the significance of implementing relevant sector policies for rural development, including the Rural Development Policy, National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy, and Local Economic Development Policy.
Dr. Ebenezer Owusu Addo, Director of the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), indicated that the collaboration will yield positive results in delivering effective and comprehensive research towards improving the lives of rural communities in Ghana. He revealed that BIRD is planning on establishing a Rural Development Endowment Fund (RDEF) to provide stable and predictable funding to design and implement strategic development interventions in rural areas where the Ministry can extend its assistance.
The University is currently in an agreement with two districts, Sene East, and Sekyere Afram Plains, through its Community Engagement Initiatives to promote sustainable and inclusive rural development with the District Assemblies, he added.
Dr. Patrick Apraku, Director of Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) disclosed that the authority seeks to foster partnership with the Department of Planning by offering internships for students in Municipal and Metropolitan District Assemblies (MMDAs) and help to increase the number of graduates in spatial planning for MMDAs.
In response, Professor Clifford Amoako, Head of the Department of Planning, stated that the session was beneficial to his Department and that he looks forward to future collaboration with LUSPA.
