Government has said it will support about 200,000 farmers with farm inputs and fertiliser, as part of its flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme, to boost agricultural productivity in the country.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced this at Nalerigu while addressing the chiefs and people of East Mamprusi district in the Northern Region.
He said government places a lot of priority on agriculture, since it is the only means of ensuring food sufficiency and creating job opportunities in the country to alleviate poverty.
The President appealed for chiefs to assist the agricultural departments to register more farmers in the next agricultural season, saying government is making frantic efforts to purchase the farm produce to prevent post-harvest losses.
Touching on potable water delivery, he said government has injected US$45.7million into the rehabilitation of water systems in the Walewale, Gambaga and Nalerigu townships to address the perennial water problems experienced by people in the area during dry seasons.
He stated that 447 communities across the three regions of the north will also soon be connected to the national grid to further open-up commercial activities to ensure economic development – saying East Mamprusi alone has lots of agricultural and tourism potentials that could improve the people’s standard of living if supported.
On the Free Senior High School policy, he noted that every new programme is bound to face challenges, and therefore efforts will be made to resolve challenges that might be encountered.
“We will continue to develop strategies to sustain the free SHS policy, with increased government support to ensure all citizens of Ghana have access to free quality education,” he stated.
Efforts, he said, are underway regarding the issue of inadequate dormitories, classrooms, and learning and teaching materials to ensure the policy succeeds.
With the upgrading of districts and regions, he said, six districts in the Northern Region – including East and West Mamprusi – will be upgraded into Municipalities, while that of the Nanton will be carved from the Savelugu Municipality, with Yooyo being made a district on its own.
The Nayiri, Na Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, commended government for its numerous initiatives in the area, saying they will go a long way to enhance economic activities.
He appealed for government to help resolve the age-old Dagbon conflict, which is halting business activities for the people.
He said the poor road network is also affecting economic activities, hence the need for government to speed up construction works.
The Minister for Road and Highways, Mr. Amoako Atta, said the road networks have been awarded to various contractors, and that work will soon begin to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and people.
By Samuel Sam l thebftonline.com l Ghana
