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Agricultural sector to provide 750,000 jobs to unemployed Ghanaians - Ken Ofori-Atta declares

Feature Article Agricultural sector to provide 750,000 jobs to unemployed Ghanaians - Ken Ofori-Atta declares
THU, 02 MAR 2017

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says government intends to create about 750,000 direct and indirect jobs through an initiative he describes as “planting for food and jobs campaign” under the agricultural sector.

Delivering the 2017 budget statement in Parliament on Thursday, 3rd March 2017, Mr. Ofori-Atta said the “initiative is expected to increase the production of maize by 30 percent from current production levels, rise by 49 percent, soybean by 25 percent and sorghum by 28 percent. This will create 750,000 jobs in both direct and indirect employment.”

According to him the “Planting for food and jobs campaign” will be anchored on five pillars namely: Provision of improved seeds; supply of fertilizers; provision of dedicated extension services; marketing and E-Agriculture and Monitoring.”

In addition, the Ministry intends to “continue the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme to help increase the productivity of farmers. To this effect, we intend to distribute nationwide, an expected 180 thousand metric tons of subsidized fertilizers.”

“Government recognizes agriculture as the main anchor of the country’s economy.” He says. He, however, bemoans the steady decline in the sector and the extent to which production levels have fallen consistently over the years.

In order to improve productivity and achieve food security and profitability for farmers, the government intends to modernize the agricultural sector in the medium term.

Under Fisheries, the Minister says “to modernize and transform the industry, the Ministry will complete phase one of the Anomabo Fisheries College to enhance research and knowledge-base in fisheries technology for all operators. It will also collaborate with relevant institutions and the private sector to develop modern landing sites and storage facilities at James Town, Cape Coast, Axim and Mumford.”

By:
Analimbey, Chris
[email protected]

Analimbey, A. Chris
Analimbey, A. Chris, © 2017

A Ghanaian Development Communication Specialist, Administrator, and Freelance Journalist based in Ghana, West Africa, with a strong interest in rural development, social advocacy, media engagement, and community empowerment.. More An ambitious media, development communication, and administrative professional with over two decades of experience in public service, journalism, and institutional administration, seeking to leverage a rich and diverse skill set within the communications and development arena. Throughout my professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism, innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence in every responsibility entrusted to me. My passion lies not merely in communicating information, but in using communication as a strategic tool for social transformation, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

As a seasoned Development Communication Specialist and Administrator, I strongly believe that communication should serve society responsibly and meaningfully. Journalism, to me, is not simply about putting words and sentences together, reporting events, or entertaining audiences. It is about probing deeper into issues, going beyond the surface, uncovering hidden truths, amplifying marginalized voices, and engaging directly with communities — especially the vulnerable and underserved — to understand their realities and contribute to lasting solutions to their challenges.

Over the years, I have built extensive experience in public communication, administration, stakeholder engagement, media relations, rural sensitization, and social advocacy through my work with Ghana Cocoa Board and my contributions as a freelance journalist and writer in Ghana, West Africa. I have authored numerous articles on national development, governance, agriculture, labour relations, and social issues across major Ghanaian media platforms, demonstrating strong analytical, writing, and public engagement skills.

My academic background in Development Communication and Management Studies has further equipped me with the capacity to design and implement communication strategies that promote behavioural change, community participation, and institutional growth. I am deeply committed to socially responsible journalism, ethical communication, and development-oriented media practice that prioritizes people, progress, and accountability.
Column: Analimbey, A. Chris

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