The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is set to introduce a new programme to boost food production in the country as the government moves to ensure food security for the next five years.
With all the huge investments made in agriculture, it is known that food security has been a topical and high-priority issue for Ghana.
In view of the above, a one-day consultative meeting for Regional Ministers, Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief executives, and Regional and District Directors of Agriculture was held by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to share and discuss the new pathways being chartered by the Ministry to effectively harness the potential of the food and agriculture sector.
This action is to ensure a fuller understanding and appreciation of the new policy direction and to inform the appropriate course of action required by implementing institutions to tackle the problems identified, and for enhancing the implementation of the programme effectively.
In his remarks, the Hon Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong explained that the Ministry is moving away from the input subsidy system to an input credit approach aimed at lowering the barrier to entry for every Ghanaian Farmer. This is to ensure effective participation and to encourage the youth and vulnerable to go into agriculture.
A technical presentation was made by the Acting Director of Policy Planning Directorate. Her presentation provided a step-by-step procedure and approach for the smooth implementation of the PFJ Phase II.
Present at the engagement forum was the Hon. Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Daniel Kwaku Botwe.
The Hon. Minister underscored the critical role and responsibility required by the Regional Coordinating Councils and MMDAs to ensure Government policies are implemented to the full benefit of the entire Ghanaian population.
He urged all to give off their best to ensure that the PFJ Phase II works on the grounds.
Sharing a few statistics in terms of Food Security. It was evident that courage and determination are needed to change the approach to agriculture in Ghana to improve livelihoods and better the local economy of Ghanaian Farming.
To ensure a more coordinated agriculture sector, Dr Bryan indicated that going forward MoFA will have oversight responsibility of all Agriculture related projects and programmes in the country. This He said, will ensure proper accountability.
