President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the newly constituted board of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) on Wednesday.
The board's primary responsibility will be overseeing the coordination of the Economic Enclaves Project, following the completion of the Ghana Power Compact and the previous board's term in October of last year.
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The board, chaired by renowned Ghanaian Zoologist Prof Yaa Ntiamoa Baidoo, comprises various notable individuals, including Mr Martin Esson Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of MiDA, and representatives from ministries such as Finance, Food and Agriculture, Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Trade. The Association of Ghana Industries, the Private Enterprise Foundation, and the National Service Secretariat are also represented.
President Akufo-Addo commended MiDA for its exemplary performance since its establishment under the government of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. He mentioned that the Ministry of Finance has chosen MiDA to lead the implementation phase of the Ghana Cares Obaatanpa program, including the coordination of activities related to the Economic Enclaves component. The President expressed confidence in MiDA's proven track record in effective program management and accountability.
Given that the budget and funding arrangements for the Economic Enclaves Project differ significantly from the previous Millennium Challenge Compacts, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of swift and collaborative action by all implementing entities. He stressed the need to achieve the expected outputs of the novel agriculture-focused enclaves established across the country.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his trust in the board's ability to ensure timely access to necessary resources and the employment of best practices throughout the project's duration. He also highlighted the involvement of private sector investors and the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme in facilitating youth recruitment. The President clarified that the enclaves concept is distinct from the erstwhile State Farms, and the board must prioritize necessary risk mitigation and facilitative measures.
The President acknowledged the support of various entities, such as the Ghana Armed Forces' 48 Engineer Regiment for land preparation and development, the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority for land surveys and irrigation infrastructure, and the Ministries of Energy and Road and Highways. He also mentioned the provision of agricultural equipment and certified seeds from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, underscoring the commitment to supporting private sector investors and ensuring the sustainability of the enclaves.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by highlighting the government's efforts to make suitable and well-prepared land available, complete with infrastructure for farming, power supply, irrigation, and accommodation for trainee farmers. He emphasized that the encouragement of youth involvement in commercial farming would result in a cohort of capable young farmers who can engage in sustainable modern farming practices.
