The CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Morrison, has expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Morrison noted that a review of the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 Manifesto left him worried about the alignment of government policies with the National Development Planning Commission's (NDPC) goals.
“I was looking at this from the production, logistical, processing, agro-industrialization, marketing, and sustainable financing gaps," Morrison explained.
"Sixteen chapters mention agriculture in one form or another, whether it's green financing, green jobs, or the cost of living. But what we are asking is, what is the government’s commitment towards direct funding for agriculture?”
Morrison highlighted that despite an investment of ¢2.7 billion in the first four years of PFJ, Ghana’s food importation bill increased by $4 billion, and post-harvest losses rose by ¢2.6 billion.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) even clearly stated that we are possibly in the region of having food insecurity,” he added.
He questioned the manifesto's relevance, saying, “The current situation— is it incorporated in that manifesto?”
Morrison was also critical of the NPP's plan to expand the PFJ program, including its Rearing for Food and Jobs initiative.
“You expand on something that is effective. You expand on something that is working,” he stated.
Based on his observations and interactions from the Oti to the Northern Region, Morrison claimed that “ministers, MPs, and chairpersons of the NPP are the ones distributing fertilizers and seeds. How do you expect farmers, who now have to buy these inputs, to go and produce? The agriculture sector needs a complete overhaul.”
Morrison called for a shift in focus away from over-reliance on cocoa as a cash crop.
“Over the past six years, we keep dwelling on cocoa. How much does cocoa give this country? The global value of cassava is $179 billion, corn is $30 billion, while cocoa is only $47 billion.”
He emphasized the need to align agricultural policies with national interests, pointing out that, “Thailand, which doesn’t even consume much cassava, makes more than $2 billion annually from it. We make only $1.5 billion from cocoa.”
Morrison also highlighted the importance of focusing on the rice and poultry industries.
“We consume about 3.2 million metric tons of maize annually, and our deficit is about 900,000 metric tons. Why don’t we invest more into maize so we can be food-sufficient?
"Our poultry importation bill for frozen chicken is about $1.2 billion. The poultry sector is the biggest value chain in the agriculture sector. Neglecting rice, maize, and poultry will have long-term effects,” he warned.
Latest Stories
-
Kpando NCCE holds dialogue for Parliamentary Candidates
7 mins -
Bawumia solicits support of CSOs to tackle ‘entrenched interests’ in corruption fight
10 mins -
I’m looking forward to working with CSOs, research institutions; they have a lot to offer – Bawumia
13 mins -
The former illegal miner who became valedictorian: Eliasu Yahaya Bansi’s KNUST journey
25 mins -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang slams gov’t over supply of ‘expired’ rice to Senior High Schools
30 mins -
‘Expired rice’: FDA fines Lamens Investments GH¢100k for regulatory violations
34 mins -
No student has been served unwholesome meals – Nana Boakye
48 mins -
Galamsey has left our river deities powerless – Fetish Priest laments
1 hour -
It was unfair to destroy Leslie’s Fantasy Dome – Okraku-Mantey
1 hour -
Expired rice scandal: We won’t jeopardize people’s health or safety for any reason – FDA
1 hour -
UniMAC to host public forum on democracy and communication
1 hour -
Expired Rice Scandal: Ablakwa slams Lamens Company for “Criminal” acts
2 hours -
Avoid the use of vituperative expressions in your campaigns – NCCE
2 hours -
No petroleum revenue allotment to industrialisation in first half of 2024 – PIAC report
2 hours -
Baba Sadiq motivated me to vie for MP position – Okraku-Mantey
2 hours