Accra: As Ghana marks the birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, an agricultural expert says revitalizing farmlands and achieving food self-sufficiency would be the most meaningful way to honour the country's founding President's enduring legacy. Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Legacy Crop Improvement Centre, stated that Dr. Nkrumah's agricultural foresight remains one of the most underappreciated pillars of Ghana's independence and development agenda.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Azinu emphasized the significance of Nkrumah's agricultural initiatives, noting that while his political achievements and pan-African ideals are celebrated, the most fitting tribute lies in utilizing the fertile soils and flowing waters he helped create for future generations. He highlighted the Volta River Project as a strategic investment in agricultural transformation, describing it as more than just a dam-building exercise.
Dr. Azinu elaborated on how the creation of Lake Volta was a long-term investment, laying the foundation for irrigation, fishing, and rural development. He explained that the Akosombo Dam and the Volta River Authority were designed to support not only electricity generation but also food security, rural prosperity, and economic diversification.
He expressed concern over Ghana's current reliance on food imports, despite having the infrastructure and resources to produce much of its food domestically. He pointed out the underutilization of irrigation systems and the untapped potential of Lake Volta for aquaculture.
Dr. Azinu outlined a four-pronged approach to action, beginning with maximizing the Volta River's potential through modern irrigation techniques, improved seeds, and farming practices. He also called for greater investment in rural infrastructure, emphasizing the need for roads, storage facilities, processing centers, and market access.
Supporting smallholder farmers, who produce the majority of Ghana's food, was another key area he highlighted. He urged for their empowerment through access to credit, technology, and markets. Moreover, he encouraged the adoption of modern technology in agriculture, such as precision farming and climate-smart techniques.
Dr. Azinu pointed out the economic benefits of redirecting even a portion of the $2 billion spent annually on food imports towards domestic agricultural development. He stressed that fulfilling Nkrumah's vision of agricultural self-reliance is increasingly urgent in light of climate change and global supply chain disruptions.
He concluded by calling on Ghanaians to honour Nkrumah not only in memory but in action, transforming his agricultural infrastructure into abundance and making Ghana a food-secure nation. Dr. Azinu stated that the greatest monument to Nkrumah would be thriving farms and a self-reliant Ghana.
