Member of Parliament for Asunafo South and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has revealed that ECOWAS is seeking the return of 27,000 tonnes of maize and rice borrowed by Ghana in 2018.
During the official launch of the Feed Ghana Programme at Methodist School Park in Techiman, Bono East Region, the Minister stated that ECOWAS officials recently approached Ghana with a request to return the borrowed grains.
He said “Recently, ECOWAS officials approached us, stating that Ghana owes them 27,000 tonnes of maize and rice. They are requesting its return, as we borrowed it in 2018.”
The MP noted that he intervened on behalf of the government, negotiating a temporary reprieve.
According to him, he secured an agreement that allows Ghana to postpone repayment until the Feed Ghana Programme is fully operational, with a commitment to settle the debt within a year.
“But, Mr. President, I intervened on your behalf, requesting that they postpone the repayment. Once we initiate the Feed Ghana Programme, I asked that they grant us a year to settle the debt for the maize and rice we owe them.”
Opoku seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of collective action in addressing Ghana’s food security challenges.
He underscored that the Feed Ghana Programme is a national endeavor that transcends political affiliations.
He stressed “Today is a big day for all Ghanaians. It is essential that everyone participates. Let us not distance ourselves only to later claim that a food crisis has arrived. We should all contribute by planting something.
“This is not about political affiliation; hunger does not know NPP or NDC. It affects everyone who wants to eat, so let’s all come together and do it”, he urged.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
