By Alex Baah Boadi
Sefwi-Wiawso (WN/R), April 28, GNA — The Rainforest Alliance has organised an exhibition event for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to promote the growth of green businesses in the Western North Region.
The event, held under its Landscape Driven Resilience and Income Strategies for Community Empowerment (LANDRISE) project, brought together MSMEs from Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, Wiawso, Akontombra, Bodi, Juaboso and Bia districts.
Funded by the Coca Cola Foundation, the programme was themed “Green Enterprise Market Connect and Product Exhibition.”
It aimed to bring together farmers, processors, retailers, traders and regulatory authorities to showcase green enterprises and services to prospective clients.
The event also provided opportunities for participants to explore supply deals, access market information on quality standards, packaging and pricing, and build linkages with producers and financial and business advisory service providers.
Madam Matilda Agyapong, Landscape and Communities Manager, told the Ghana News Agency that the project had so far organised entrepreneurship workshops for more than 2,000 women and youth.
She said 250 beneficiaries had been trained in beekeeping, vegetable production and bakery, while 100 green businesses had been linked to 25 certified agricultural input suppliers.
Additionally, 100 green businesses had received training in financial literacy and record-keeping, alongside advisory services provided to over 100 enterprises within the landscape.
Madam Agyapong noted that the LANDRISE project would continue to support farmers to improve their livelihoods and sustain their families.
She also announced the establishment of a revolving fund with Sefwiman Rural Bank Limited to provide affordable loans to farmers to enhance their operations.
Mr Dominic Gyasi, the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), urged participants to take advantage of the initiative to grow their businesses.
He commended the Rainforest Alliance and its partners for the programme and expressed hope that it would be sustained in the years ahead.
Some participants, in interviews with the Ghana News Agency, also praised the Rainforest Alliance and the Coca Cola Foundation for the initiative, calling for more such training and support for farmers in the region.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Audrey Dekalu