The Chairman of SEND Ghana, a non-governmental organization, Mr Alexander Dadzawa, has called on farmers in the country to increase agriculture production in Ghana.
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi
According to Mr Alexander Dadzawa, when this is done it would help reduce poverty in Ghana, especially in the three Northern regions, the Upper East, the Upper West and the Brong Ahafo region.
He made the call at the official launch of an agricultural budget research report compiled by SEND Ghana.
He said the government of Ghana is committed to contribute 10% of the local government expenditure to agricultural development. This, he indicated, is to aid small-scale farmers mainly in terms of irrigation.
Mr Dadzawa underscored that there should also be extension services for farmers to broaden their knowledge on their work as part of efforts to increase production.
He further assured farmers of good feeder roads, access to fertilizers and infrastructure, especially warehouses for the storage of their product and tractors. He announced that an Agricultural Development Fund for farmers will soon be launched to help farmers access financial credit facilities.
On her part Madam Cheryl Gopaul, who chaired the function, observed that agriculture employs about 55% of Ghana’s labour force and contributes 25% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
She emphasized that the majority of Ghana’s population is situated in the rural areas and they are making more use of agriculture products, hence the need to increase productivity was crucial to the country’s economy.
She advised the youth to understand and recognize agriculture production as something important, and to see farmers as important people in the society.
STORY: EMELIA N. A. ARYEE, INTERN, PIJ
