afrol News, 4 September - Visiting British Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander has announced projects to help women survive child birth and to increase children's access to education in Ghana.

Visiting Savelugu District Hospital, Douglas Alexander committed £6.75 million to Ministry of Health for emergency obstetric equipment. The equipment will support Ghana's efforts to reduce maternal mortality rate, currently approximately 214 women in every 100,000 live births.

Following his visit to the hospital, Mr Alexander went to the School for Life in Tamale where he announced £1 million towards Literacy for Life Change. This project aims to give children of 8-14 years of age access to basic education in northern Ghana.

"The UK is committed to helping Ghana to reach the health and education Millennium Development Goals. Our support will focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and providing literacy skills to an estimated 13,000 children, at least half of whom are expected to be girls," he said.

While in Ghana, Mr Alexander and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, are also expected to sign a 10 year Development Partnership Arrangement with government of Ghana. The formal signing follows an announcement by Mr Alexander in February, increasing UK aid to Ghana by 20% over next three years, totalling £250 million.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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