Accra: Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, a National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Wa East, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for announcing the agricultural transformation agenda. In his Presentation of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, the President announced an ambitious agricultural transformation agenda aimed at reducing the country's $2 billion annual food import bill. The agenda includes the Feed Ghana Programme, Grains Development Programme, and Horticultural Crop Development, designed to promote food security and sufficiency.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Seidu Jasaw expressed his views in an interview at Parliament House, Accra, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in Ghana's agricultural sector. He emphasized that the Feed Ghana Programme is a key component of the agenda, focusing on produce, process, and trade. 'This initiative is expected to add value, create jobs, and industrialise the agricultural sector,' he noted.
The Wa East Legislator also pointed out the executive instrument issued by President Mahama, which placed the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Agriculture. He described this as a strategic step towards leveraging research and data to improve agricultural productivity.
Dr Seidu Jasaw further explained that the President's vision includes the development of industrial enclaves, where large tracts of land will be made available to support interested farmers, particularly young farmers and women. Machinery will be provided through the Farmer Services Center to support small-scale farmers.
He concluded that as the country moves forward with this agenda, it is evident that the President's vision is well thought through, focusing on adding value, creating jobs, and ensuring food security and sufficiency for Ghanaians.
