The former President John Dramani Mahama on his #Mahama4Change2024 tour of the Upper East Region, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the agricultural sector in Ghana. The plan is aimed at boosting food security is and enhancing the economic prospects of farmers and agribusinesses.
“I have been sharing exciting news for Ghanaian farmers and agribusinesses on my #Mahama4Change2024 tour of the Upper East Region. Our policies aim to boost the agricultural sector and enhance food security across the country”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
According to former President John Dramani Mahama, at the heart of the plan is the establishment of special agro-industrial zones in all sixteen regions of Ghana.
These zones, he noted will focus on adding value to local crops, leveraging the comparative advantage of each region to produce high-quality products for both domestic consumption and export.
Mr. Mahama also added that the initiative is expected to boost exports, reduce Ghana’s reliance on raw material imports, and ultimately strengthen the economy.
In addition to the agro-industrial zones, Mahama’s plan includes the setting up of nationwide farmer service centers.
These centers, he argued will provide farmers with access to cutting-edge technology, equipment, inputs, and opportunities to improve food security and drive economic growth.
By promoting advanced farming techniques and digital tools, the NDC Flagbearer pointed out that the farmer service centers will empower farmers to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance their overall competitiveness.
Furthermore, former President Mahama reiterated that his plan draws inspiration from the successful “Operation Feed Yourself and Industries” initiative of the early 1970s.
He emphasized that the program will focus on making Ghana self-sufficient in basic staples, significantly reducing unnecessary imports, and ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to affordable and nutritious food.
By securing the country’s food supply, the former President said the program will not only improve food security but then would also reduce the financial burden on households and enhance economic stability.
“We will work with you, the people of Ghana, to build a more prosperous and food-secure future for Ghana”, Mr Mahama stated.
Mahama’s plan is a recognition that agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, providing employment opportunities for millions of people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
By empowering the agricultural community, promoting advanced farming techniques, and inspiring a culture of success and innovation, Mahama’s government aims to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“We are going to come and assist the farmers so that we can produce enough food. Before you do anything else, the first thing you need is to satisfy the stomach. And so food is the number one priority, and the only way we can produce enough food is to support the farmers to produce it.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
Agriculture and Rural Development, Key to Economic Growth
Moreover, in a passionate address to the people of Pusiga, former President John Mahama emphasized the critical need to support Ghanaian farmers, particularly in the face of an import-dependent economy.
He highlighted the staggering $3 billion annual import bill for food products, many of which can be produced locally.
“The bulk of our people here are farmers. And so, we need to support our farmers to be able to produce. The problem with our economy is that we are import-dependent. Everything, we import from outside. Indeed, food products alone account for almost $3,000,000,000 every year of our import bill, and a lot of these things are products that we can produce locally.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
Mr. Mahama further stressed that food security is a top priority, and the only way to achieve it is by empowering farmers to produce enough food.
To this end, Mr Mahama emphasized that the NDC government plans to establish farmer service centers, each equipped with tractors, planters, harvesters, fertilizers, weedicides, and improved seeds.
“They will come and measure your farm and see how many acres you are doing. Then know how much seed you need. They know how much fertilizer you need. They will come and plow for you. They will harrow for you. They will plant for you, and they will do it on high purchase, on credit. And when you harvest your crop and you sell, you come and pay so that the next season, they’ll have money to support you again”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
The innovative approach, Mr. Mahama posited aims to boost food production and as well reduce reliance on imports which would enhance the livelihoods of farmers.
By providing access to technology, equipment, and inputs, Mahama’s government seeks to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
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