Groundbreaking marks beginning of the Construction of Rice Value Chain Improvement project in Assin Akropong

A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place in Assin Akropong in the Central region of Ghana to mark the beginning of the construction of a rice milling facility to improve Rice Value Chain (RVC). 

The RVC project is part of a wider programme being implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).  It aims at increasing rice productivity and value among farmers in the Central Region of Ghana. The interventions range from seed selection and cultivation to post harvest management and rice processing technology.

In December 2019, the KOICA Ghana Country Office and UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office signed an agreement for UNOPS to implement targeted components of the project. These include design and construction management of agricultural infrastructure, supply of non-agricultural equipment and supply of agricultural equipment and training of operators.

The construction works are to be implemented on two project sites: a seed processing and storage facility in the Gomoa East District and a rice milling facility in the Assin District. The project is expected to directly and indirectly benefit over 5,000 people, including farmers, and 30,000 people respectively.

UNOPS was selected to implement the infrastructure and procurement components based on its specialized mandate in these areas, the long history of successful project delivery with the KOICA Country Office in Ghana and drawing on the global partnership and cooperation agreement between KOICA and UNOPS.

The project launch and groundbreaking event was attended by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto;  the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Marigold Assan; the  Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Jung-taek Lim; the Country Director of KOICA Ghana Office, Mr. Mooheon Kong; and the Director and Representative of UNOPS Ghana Multi-Country Office, Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba,.

H.E. Jung-taek Lim noted that “the project is important not only for the Ghanaian people, but also it is equally important and symbolic for the Korean People.” He expressed his my government’s commitment to contribute to enhancing the livelihoods and living conditions of farmers in the central region of Ghana.

Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba said “in line with the UNOPS mandate for infrastructure, procurement and project management, UNOPS is pleased to be contributing to strengthening the rice value chain in Ghana." She noted that UNOPS recognizes the long-standing partnerships it has with both the Governments of Ghana and Korea under which some infrastructure and procurement projects have been delivered in Ghana.  She acknowledged the KOICA Ghana country office for the confidence reposed in UNOPS to deliver this project and assured all partners of UNOPS’ commitment to deliver.