The Akufo-Addo government’s support for farmers in the country is unmatched since inception of the Fourth Republican Constitution, the Minister of Food and Agriculture has underscored.
According to Dr. Afriyie Owusu Akoto, this is evident in the many agricultural-friendly policies – including the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) and fertliser subsidy – introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration to assist farmers to boost production.
The minister made this statement when addressing farmers at Kwame Doudoo in the Eastern Region while on a working tour.
“Government is doing everything possible to make farmers feel comfortable,” he said.
He also seized the chance to deny flatly the assertion in certain quarters that there is a food shortage in the country.
“There is no food shortage in the country following my visit to 5 regions. Rather, prices of food have gone up with even poultry feed for farmers high in the market,” he clarified.
He reiterated that his ministry is not a financial institution but a principal that guides farmers to ensure they produce enough to feed the nation.
He was praiseful of Mohammed Ibrahim, a farmer at Kwame Doudoo who owns the largest palm farm in the region and also includes a fish pond and maize farm.
Earlier, the minister visited Legacy Square, a company that produces chemicals for seedlings to grow well.
Welcoming the minister, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legacy Square, Mr. Amos Azinu, said his outfit has been in operation for about 7 years.
He indicated that hunger is deadlier than a pandemic, and thus called on farmers to collaborate with the MoFA to ensure a better Ghana.
Other places Dr. Akoto and his team visited were Pinora, a suburb of Asamankesse where farmers produce all kinds of juices; and Sahmen Farms, also in Asamankesse
He rounded up his tour in the region with a visit to Kodua, close to Asamankesse.