Ghana must move from stomach-directed Agricultural policies — Atta Akyea

Akim Abuakwa South Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea has called for a change in Ghana’s Agricultural policy direction.

He wants policies that go beyond just farming to feed the people to rather focus on the ability to supply raw materials for industrial purposes.

In his view, Ghana will realize the full benefits of agriculture when the sector is able to supply to industry in large quantities.

He was speaking in Parliament on Wednesday November 30 after the Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Akoto Afriyie briefed the House on the the 2022 Farmers’ Day celebration.

The event is on the theme “Accelerating Agricultural development through value addition.”

The Agric Minister told Parliament that it will take place at the Koforidua Jubilee Park on Friday December 2.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be the special guest, the Minister said.

Contributing to a discussion on the floor of the House regarding the theme for the celebration, Mr Atta Akyea said “I am also of the humble view that the theme should translate into realities.

“If we continue in that kind of agriculture which is so agonistic and ancient, you will not have the benefit of agriculture

“I believe that the pillar and prop of the economy can be agriculture, there is no dispute about it at all. We should move from the kind of agricultural policies and undertakings which are stomach directed, that we want to feed our people, I think that is too basic for our forward movement.

“We should direct our efforts that agriculture should supply in substantial terms the raw materials for industry. That is where we begin to enhance the benefits of agriculture.”

—3news.com