Mr. Patrick Akowuah, Western Regional Director of Agriculture has bemoaned the rise in food prices. He thus called on the government to intervene for price control and effective monitoring of market prices.

Mr. Patrick Akowuah also called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to strengthen the Agribusiness unit for effective monitoring and evaluation. According to him, constant monitoring could ensure a stable price of commodities in every market across the country to alleviate economic hardships and subsequently gain a price-controlled model for better societal living.

The Regional Director of Agriculture said, “At Beposo market, three tubers of yam sell at GHS 20, while one sells at GH¢20. 00 in Takoradi… is it all about transport fare?”

Mr. Akowuah, expressed the sentiment when he gave a Regional Overview of the Agriculture situation in the Region and announced that many of the government interventions are doing well in the Region, but the delay in seedlings and fertilizers to scale-up processes. The Regional Director, meanwhile asked that suppliers for seedlings be multiplied from a sole source to promote availability in crop seasons.

Mr. Akowuah noted that some compensations had also been paid to farmers affected by bird flu with more women being encouraged to venture into agriculture.

In the meantime, Nana Banyin, the Municipal Director of Agric for Tarkwa, requested the establishment of AMSEC and a rice mill to aid in processing their local rice.

Dr. Dasmani Isaac, the Prestea District Municipal Chief Executive, on his part, noted the installation of machines was on course for the palm industry while the cocoa sector had been given a boost. Meanwhile, some stakeholders in the agriculture sector called for Dewatering Plant for EKMA to reduce the smell of poultry waste as well as increase its contributions to organic fertilizer.

Mr. Assae Mensah, the District Chief Executive for Mpohor noted the many farming inputs hosted by the assembly and asked other assemblies and individuals to contact the assembly for rental purposes.

The DCE for Jomoro, Iris Louisa Arde, asked for the revival of Taro crop and pig farming in the district to create employment and reduce social vices.

Western Region Well Rooted in Agribusiness

The Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, asserted that the Western Region is well-rooted in agribusiness. ”This Region has something which other regions do not have. When it comes to agriculture, agribusiness is well rooted here,” he stated.

Dr. Afriyie Akoto also appreciated the support of extension officers to smallholder farmers who were into rubber and oil production. He, however, charged the Agriculture Directorate to develop nucleus agribusinesses, in the rice and the poultry sector and assured them of the Ministry’s preparedness to brainstorm through all the concerns raised and address them accordingly. “And when we go back to Accra, we will work to provide real tangibles,” he added.

Dr. Akoto commended the dynamism that had been demonstrated by the Regional Director of Agriculture in agribusiness and entreated the same spirit for the total development of Agriculture.