President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector, positioning it as the backbone of the economy to ensure food security and economic prosperity.
Speaking during a fellowship with the clergy, Mahama emphasized the urgent need for modernization in farming practices, investment in agribusiness, and policies that will drive self-sufficiency in food production.
“A nation that cannot feed itself cannot prosper,” Mahama declared, underscoring the importance of prioritizing agriculture as a pillar of economic development.
The President acknowledged the challenges plaguing Ghana’s agricultural sector, including outdated farming methods, post-harvest losses, and limited access to financial resources for farmers. He stressed the need for aggressive investments in mechanization, irrigation, and agro-processing to enhance productivity.
“We must move beyond subsistence farming and embrace large-scale, technologically advanced agricultural practices,” Mahama stated. “By modernizing our farming techniques and investing in reprocessing, we will not only achieve food sufficiency but also become a major exporter of agricultural products.”
Beyond food security, President Mahama emphasized that agriculture holds the key to solving Ghana’s unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth.
He outlined plans to create thousands of jobs in agribusiness, from farming and processing to export and distribution.
“Our economic policy is not just a slogan; it is a bold initiative aimed at opening up employment opportunities in business development, agribusiness, manufacturing, and technology,” he said.
By investing in agribusiness, Mahama believes Ghana can empower young entrepreneurs to venture into commercial farming, ultimately reducing the country’s reliance on food imports and strengthening the local economy.
Mahama also acknowledged the impact of climate change on agriculture, emphasizing the need for sustainable farming practices. He advocated for increased afforestation, soil conservation, and the adoption of climate-resilient crops to mitigate environmental risks.
“Sustainability is key. We must ensure that future generations inherit a thriving agricultural sector that can withstand climate challenges,” he noted.
The President urged stakeholders, including farmers, investors, and policymakers, to collaborate in driving the agricultural agenda forward. He emphasized that the transformation of Ghana’s agriculture is not just a government initiative but a national mission requiring collective effort.
“As we embark on this journey of national renewal, we must work together to make Ghana self-sufficient in food production,” Mahama concluded.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
