On August 22, 2024, the Director of the Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) led a team, including the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), KNUST, to pay a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and his team. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between BIRD and the Ministry to promote rural Development in Ghana. The meeting provided space for the two parties to deliberate on strategic ways to promote rural Development.
BIRD is currently leading the preparation of a Revised National Rural Development Policy that will spearhead rural development in the coming years. Professor Awunyo-Vitor expressed concerns about how rural areas in Ghana are lagging in terms of development but also emphasised KNUST’s readiness to contribute to enhancing rural development in the country. The provost suggested that:
"Undertaking annual research on the state of rural development is crucial. It is one of the measurable indicators that the ministry can use to assess rural development. As we consider the policy, I suggest that the state of the rural economy should be included in the implementation plan of the policy. BIRD is ready and capable of contributing to this. We are enthusiastic about working together to enhance our rural areas, and I would be delighted if we could accomplish this during the minister's tenure," Prof. Awunyo-Vitor stated.
The Director of BIRD, Dr (Mrs.) Monica Addison reiterated that:
"Beyond the policy and the research, BIRD is also looking forward to engaging with the Ministry to develop a tailored short course to build the capacity of MLGDRDR staff. With your support, Hon. Minister, we hope to achieve this in the short term."
The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, indicated he is committed to ensuring that the collaboration between BIRD and the ministry yields fruitful results. According to the Minister:
"This discussion comes at a very opportune time as we are ready to move forward the existing collaboration. I am pleased with the commitment to this collaboration, and you can count on my support to deepen it. We aim to achieve a great deal through this partnership, and we will ensure that the key points discussed are given the necessary attention. We are very grateful for your visit," he remarked.
