Accra: Ghanaian agribusinesses have expressed concerns over the limited access to affordable financing, taxation on raw materials, and the implementation of indigenisation policies, which when addressed, can expand agribusiness in the country. The agribusiness owners made the call at the maiden edition of the AgriFair organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM in Accra on Friday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Denis Clottey, the Deputy General Manager of Federated Food Processing Limited, emphasized that open borders to imported rice undermine local efforts, highlighting the need for a shift in national policy to protect and promote the local industry. He advocated for closing borders to imported rice to focus on internal growth and improve local content, which could ultimately grow the local industry.
Mr Clottey called on the Government to implement a planned indigenisation policy to reduce rice imports, potentially changing Ghanaians' preference for locally made rice and protecting the local industry. He stressed the importance of government support in providing affordable seedlings, farm inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, and essential farm equipment to farmers.
Mr Elvis Amano, a Feed Nutritionist with the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, highlighted the significant hurdles faced by local producers, particularly the struggle to secure credit facilities from banks. He urged the Government to provide loans at reduced interest rates to help producers procure raw materials in large quantities. Mr Amano noted the high costs of raw materials due to taxes and called for tax reductions to lower prices.
Ms Angela Ohene-Boateng, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Service Authority, discussed the Authority's engagement in various agricultural productions, serving as demonstration farms to train National Service personnel. She emphasized the need to reduce importation and increase awareness among young people about opportunities in agriculture.
The three-day fair, which commenced on Friday, brought together a diverse group of farmers, agribusiness professionals, students, and policymakers. The event featured a variety of food items and included an 'Agric Clinic' for expert consultations and tailored agribusiness advice to enhance productivity and adopt sustainable practices.
