Accra: Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has called on religious bodies, institutions, and individuals to actively participate in farming as part of efforts to support the government’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative and livelihood enhancement in the region. He made the call on Monday when he received the Feed Ghana team, led by the National Coordinator Mr Bright Demordzi, at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in Ho.
According to Ghana News Agency, the team was in the Region to engage stakeholders and sensitize them on the objectives and opportunities within the programme. Mr. Gunu described the Volta Region as a potential agricultural powerhouse, noting that the region was endowed with over 22 irrigation dams, many of which had been abandoned for years. He emphasized that the rehabilitation and proper utilization of these facilities could significantly improve food production and enhance livelihoods across the Region.
Mr. Gunu encouraged churches, institutions, and individuals to take up farming, stating, “Together, we can reduce our dependence on food imports, curb social vices, and transform our economy-starting from the grassroots.” He expressed optimism that the Feed Ghana initiative, if effectively implemented in the Volta Region, would not only promote food security but also create employment and foster sustainable development.
Mr Bright Demordzi pledged the leadership’s commitment to working closely with the Minister to bolster agriculture in the region for improved livelihood sustainability. The ‘Feed Ghana Programme’ is a flagship initiative launched by the government to modernize and transform the agricultural sector. It aims to boost food production, create jobs, reduce food inflation, and strengthen the agro-industry. The programme is part of the broader ‘Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda’ (AETA).
The programme focuses on modernizing farming practices, improving infrastructure, and promoting the adoption of new technologies. It aims to increase local food production to ensure food security and reduce reliance on food imports and is also designed to create numerous jobs in the agricultural sector, including farming, processing, and agribusiness.