The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) in collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) - Ghana Program, has held a public lecture at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to share some thoughts with the University Community. This is in connection with the Authority's long-term objectives in creating an enabling environment for sustainable business in the agricultural sector, to reduce poverty through agricultural transformation and economic growth, particularly in the rural areas.
The Public Lecture was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Mr. Martin Eson-Benjamin, under the theme: "The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) - Ghana Program, A New Model for Development". It was held under the chairmanship of the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof. K.K. Adarkwa. He explained that the MCA Program makes Ghana a high growth potential country in agriculture, and also has the prospect of contributing towards the socio-economic development of the nation. The Program is aimed at improving the production and quality of food stuffs, and cash crops in Ghana, he noted.
Mr. Eson-Benjamin disclosed that thirty (30) districts have been earmarked for the MCA Project in Ghana, so as to intensify agricultural activities. This, he added would alleviate the challenges confronting farming activities in rural districts, and enhance the quality of life in poor farming communities. He identified some problems as: inadequate farming training, low level of agricultural technology, low investments in agricultural production and poor marketing systems.
The Millennium Development Authority under the funding of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), has projected that more than 60, 000 farmers would be trained in agri-business; estimates poverty reduction in over 230,000 farmers; improvement of the livelihood and welfare of one million (1,000,000) Ghanaians and to modify the strategy of competition so as to enhance sustainable agriculture base in Ghana.
Mr. Eson-Benjamin, touched on some phenomenal achievements attained and noted that, 14 different agricultural business centres have been established and dozens of indigenous farmers have received training in business operations. Among the ongoing projects are: electrification of some rural communities, the construction of schools, the establishment of 121 rural banks to support farmers, the acquisition of standby generators for some selected banks and road rehabilitation, he added.
He revealed that, the Millennium Development Authority has so far awarded 441 out of 500 projects to locally based organizations (contractors). This, therefore, falls in line with the organization's philosophy of promoting financial accountability, transparency, environmental accountability and fair and open procurement, he reiterated. He concluded that "Much have been given out to Ghanaians, and they must reciprocate".
