Alhaji Ahmed Osman, Community Head of the Fulani Tribe in the Ashanti Region, has urged Ghanaians to praise the Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto instead of the many critics thrown at him.
He said it is unfair for anybody to accuse the Minister of the current crisis the agric sector is facing, particularly about the acute shortage of fertilizers, when everybody knows it is a global phenomenon emanating from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking in an interview, Alhaji Osman, also a Committee Member of the Ghana Cattle Ranching Association, said attempts to tarnish the hard-won reputation of the Minister would not get anywhere because his achievements in the sector are enormous.
“All these are schemes aimed at diverting attention from the good works of the Minister who has distinguished himself creditably since he was appointed to head the Agriculture Ministry.”
Alhaji Ahmed Osman
He mentioned several interventions spearheaded by Dr. Afriyie Akoto which have transformed the Agricultural sector and urged Ghanaians to appreciate the benefits that the country is reaping under the leadership of the Minister rather than wrongly accusing him of something beyond his control.
Alhaji Osman noted that Dr. Afriyie Akoto has succeeded in modernizing agriculture in the country through research and technology, effective extension services, and other supporting services to farmers, processors, and traders in the value chain for improved livelihood.
He revealed that the Minister’s vision is to promote sustainable agriculture, which thrives on agribusiness to potentially transform the economy in the long term.
Alhaji Osman emphasized that he is convinced the Minister has done enough to merit applause from Ghanaians rather than the many criticism thrown at him over farmers’ lack of adequate fertilizers.
“This man has ensured food security, created employment opportunities, and reduced poverty in the sector, but instead of appreciating his efforts we are attacking him.”
Alhaji Ahmed Osman
There is no need to panic, Agric Minister assures Ghanaians amidst critics
As the Chairman of Agriculture Ministers in the ECOWAS Sub-Region, Dr. Akoto would have facilitated the importation of the commodity into the country if it were available on the world market, Alhaji Osman stressed.
He, therefore, called on discerning Ghanaians to support the Minster as he put measures in place to address the challenge.
The fear of Ghana becoming food insecure has been in the headlines for some time now but escalated when the Russia-Ukraine war took full effect. Many experts have made predictions, and others shared their opinions and given numerous suggestions on what the government should do to improve Ghana’s food security status.
Many agri-stakeholders and experts have criticized the agric minister for not helping the sector to grow the way it should and blame him for managing the problem with English.
Meanwhile, speaking at a recent press briefing, Dr. Akoto Afriyie assured the people of Ghana not to panic but instead have a firm belief in the agriculture ministry to provide enough food for the people of Ghana.
“Since the inception of PFJ, many have expressed disbelief as to whether the PFJ will succeed and have doubted the food security status of the country. The armyworm era came, and the Ministry defeated it. Then covid-19 came with many anticipations that Ghana would be food insecure, but we overcame it.
“We are face to face again with the Russia-Ukraine war, which has caused food prices to rise more than expected. Yet, the ministry will ensure that Ghana’s food is secured even in this era regardless of the high prices of inputs, especially fertilizer. There is no need to panic.”
Akoto Afriyie
