Elmina: The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has officially transferred 31 Technology Solution Centres (TSCs) to the GRATIS Foundation, aiming to boost operationalisation in districts across the country. Established under the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP), the TSCs are intended to empower rural businesses, create jobs, and enhance economic inclusion nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, the TSCs, constructed under a nearly 30-year-old government initiative, are equipped to enhance agribusiness, promote industrialisation, and offer technical and vocational training for Junior and Senior High School graduates and master craftsmen. These centres are expected to fabricate locally made agro-processing machinery, manufacture spare parts, support factory setups and maintenance, and deliver technical services to district-level industries and SMEs.
The handover ceremony, held at the Elmina Technology Solution Centre in the Central Region, was attended by Members of Parliament, Ministers, Heads of Departments, traditional authorities, and other dignitaries. The event featured a mini exhibition displaying homemade machines like a banana and plantain fibre extractor, and machines for scaling, milling, and pounding Fufu, among others.
Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Sector Minister, in a statement delivered by her Deputy, Mr Samson Ahi, highlighted the critical role of technological support in Ghana's industrialisation agenda. The Ministry, in collaboration with development partners, aims to position the GRATIS Foundation and the 31 TSCs as drivers of agribusiness, industrialisation, and technical training, aligning with the government's development goals.
The Minister expressed hope that the centres would reduce Ghana's dependence on imported equipment, lower production costs, and enhance the agricultural value chain for commodities like cassava, tomato, maize, cashew, and poultry. She emphasized the centres' potential to contribute to Ghana's human capital development and the national apprenticeship and skills transformation agenda.
Dr Isaac Adaebsah, CEO of GRATIS Foundation, stated that the centres would enhance businesses and livelihoods, integrating with government initiatives like the 24-hour economy, agriculture for jobs, and rapid industrialisation for jobs. He pledged to sustain and grow the centres, fostering partnerships with local industries and engaging youth and artisans.
Mr Kwasi Atta-Antwi, the National Director of REP, celebrated the establishment of the 31 TSCs as a milestone in empowering MSMEs in Ghana. He thanked the Government of Ghana, AfDB, IFAD, and local stakeholders for their support.
Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, emphasized the importance of skills development without tying qualifications to academic subjects. He suggested providing machines and equipment to rural farmers on credit and urged government support in this regard.
Mr Ismail Zagoon Saed, the Municipal Chief Executive for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem, thanked the government and partners for the facility, noting its potential economic impact. He called for collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the centre's potential.
