Accra: President John Dramani Mahama emphasized agriculture's crucial role in reducing Ghana's dependency on food imports, which costs the nation over two billion dollars annually. In a speech at Ghana's 68th Independence Day Celebration Parade, held at the Presidency's forecourt, he highlighted the Government's Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda as a strategy to bolster local agribusiness and ensure food security.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama outlined the Feed Ghana programme, aimed at driving mass food production and stabilizing prices. Additionally, he introduced the Poultry Farm to Table initiative, known locally as the 'Nkoko nketenkete' programme, which seeks to enhance domestic poultry production and reduce the nation's 95 percent reliance on imported poultry products.
The President stressed that the success of these initiatives hinges on active participation from citizens, especially the youth. He announced that the Agribusiness programme is set to provide 30,000 young people with land, training, and business opportunities in agriculture. Furthermore, Farmer Service Centres will be established in every district, offering mechanization services, quality seeds, and fertilizers to boost local food production.
President Mahama called this a defining moment for Ghana and urged action over mere policy discussions. He expressed his commitment to creating growth opportunities and enhancing economic independence, encouraging young Ghanaians to take advantage of these initiatives and contribute to building a self-sufficient nation. "Ghana's economic future is in your hands," he declared.
