The Government is spending GHS1.7 million for the extension and retooling of the Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs) to promote micro enterprises under the Rural Enterprise Project (REP).The RTFs lead in the promotion, adaptation and transfer of appropriate technologies to farmers, agro-processors, metal-based artisans and other rural micro and small scale enterprises.Minister of Trade and Industry, Hannah Tetteh, says the REP is being expanded into a National Rural Enterprises Programme to cover all rural districts in Ghana. Under the expansion, 25 new RTFs are to be established, in addition to the existing 21 facilities.She noted that the programme is “expected to engage all relevant public and private sector institutions to work together at the district, regional and national levels to facilitate job creation and income generation for micro and small scale entrepreneurs”.The Trade Minister was speaking at a ceremony in Kumasi to formally hand over 18 4X4 pick-up vehicles to the rural technology facilities located within participating REP districts. The total cost is US$439,830.00 funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). In addition, Business Advisory Centers from 40 districts received 47 motorbikes, amounting to GH₵109,846.99Ms. Tetteh says it is the responsibility of the district assemblies to own the project resources and use them prudently to generate wealth for the good of the people, emphasizing that “if your districts are going to fulfill the potential and meet your obligations of decentralization, it means that you’re going to have to find ways of raising your own revenue. The more that you encourage enterprise creation, which in turn encourage job creation, the better your chances of generating your own revenue because not all the districts are going to be able to survive on property rate”.