Ghana and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have received a one million dollar donation from Saudi Arabia to support its emergency food assistance programme in the country.
The money forms part of a 10-million dollar package being provided by Saudi Arabia to support WFP operations in eight countries in West Africa, namely Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance, who received the cheque, said the money would be used to purchase maize and iodised salt locally from Ghanaian producers.
About 1,400 tons of maize, vegetable oil, salt and pulses would be purchased for refugees in Ghana. The WFP would procure 1,300 tons of the total maize requirement and the iodised salt locally from Ghanaian producers.
Mr Baah-Wiredu said the move would encourage local farmers to boost domestic agriculture production, especially to support the school-feeding programme being embarked on by government.
Over 60,000 pregnant women and children less than five years as well as 330,000 school children are expected to benefit directly from the one-million dollar donation.
Ms Trudy Bower-Pirinis, the WFP Representative in Ghana, said the purchase of maize and iodised salt from Ghanaian producers was in line with the government’s growth and poverty reduction agenda, whose main pillar is increased agricultural production.
She said the government and WFP were working to strengthen Ghana as a regional logistics and procurement hub, in support of emergency operations within West Africa.
Mr Abdulaziz Arrukban, WFP Special International Ambassador, said the contributions to WFP in West Africa were part of its on-going commitment to helping humanity through assisting those who need help most.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
We need quality products locally; importing to run top hotels increases cost – Labadi Beach Hotel MD
8 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Basake Holy Stars face tough test against Medeama at CAM Park
8 hours -
Kwahu-Nkwatia development chief advocates for peaceful elections
8 hours -
We must declare state of emergency over galamsey, halt all mining – VLK Djokoto
9 hours -
JL Plantations, WES Trade sign MoU to promote commercial agriculture in Ghana
9 hours -
APSU to host biggest ‘Aponkye K’ event on September 28
9 hours -
Meet the 1st Ghanaian House Manager of Labadi Beach Hotel, now the MD David Eduaful
9 hours -
Ghana’s farming and construction methods destroying the environment – Environmental Expert
9 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Young Apostles, Aduana chase first win in Wechi clash
10 hours -
GPL 24/25: Hearts of Lions seek to inflict first defeat on leaders Gold Stars
11 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Hungry Accra Lions eyefirst win against Nsoatreman FC
11 hours -
CHRI condemns police conduct during Democracy Hub protests, calls for action
11 hours -
Women’s Premier Super Cup: Ampem Darkoa join Dreamz Ladies in final after win over Faith Ladies
11 hours -
Expert discusses causes, effects, and solutions for erectile dysfunction
11 hours -
Gas tanker overturns at Darkuman near Cable and Wireless
12 hours