The Middle Belt Development Bill, 2017, comprising 32 clauses, is being considered by Parliament.
The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the establishment of the Middle Belt Development Authority, to provide a framework for accelerated economic and social development of the constituencies, and areas in the Ashanti, the Brong-Ahafo and the Eastern regions of Ghana.
The memorandum to the Bill states that in line with the government’s agenda to ensure inclusive and accelerated bottom up socio-economic development in the country, the government aims to establish the Middle Belt Development Authority to spearhead this agenda. The Authority, in addition to enhancing the inclusive development of the aforementioned regions, will be the primary agency for implementing the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme.
Presenting the report of the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, told the House that the establishment of the Middle Belt Development Authority will help speed up socio-economic development of the Middle Belt Zone.
He said it is important to recognise that the Middle Belt Zone, with its vegetative cover and mineral resources, faces a number of challenges such as deforestation, destruction of the environment and pollution of water bodies through human activities.
He added that the Authority should, therefore, endeavour to implement programmes that will help address some of these challenges, and promote sound environmental practices.
