The Aburi Crafts Village is to benefit from a grant of GHC 8 million approved by the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) for its modernisation.

The project was estimated to cost GHC 12 million. These were made known when some officials of EDIF called on the Aburihene, Otoobour Djan Kwasi II,for some discussions on the Crafts Village which had been on the drawing board for sometime now.

The EDIF officials  asked the Aburihene and his elders to reorganise stakeholders in the industry and identify those who would see to the success of the project.

They also urged the Aburihene and members of the traditional council to come out with the ownership  of the Craft village, since it can not be owned by EDIF or the Ministry of Trade.

A management body, if put in place, would ensure that all stakeholders including the traditional council would benefit from the  craft village project which has been planned to serve as a model village for six other regions selected for craft works in the country.

All feasibility studies carried out on the project according to the EDIF officials showed that it is very feasible and would create employment for the people and earn revenue for both government and the traditional council.

Documents on the projects including drawings were shown to the Aburihene.

Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, Aburihene and Akwapim Anafohene, expressed gratitude for the assistance and assured the officials that he would ensure that the funds are used for the project.

He said he and his sub-chiefs, queenmothers and elders are aware that by doing the right things as leaders, they would be helping in the development of their area.

The Aburihene used the opportunity to appeal to EDIF to consider assisting his people who are in a pepper and reafforestation projects.

AMA