Mahama Wants Ghana EXIM Bank Must To Scale Up Investment In Agric Sector

Former President John Dramani Mahama has stressed the need for the Ghana EXIM Bank to improve investment in the Agriculture Sector.

“Investment in Agri-business is the new level that we need to grow and expand in order to enhance agricultural development and transformation,” Mr. Mahama said in a Farmers’ Day message.

More investment in agriculture and access to credit facilities will make it a more attractive venture, he asserted further.

“We can generate greater interest in agriculture, especially among young Ghanaians, when they have the assurance of affordable credit facilities, ready purchase, improved pricing and value addition. This can happen when we have, among others, agro-processing set-ups around the farm gates.”

“This is why I established the Ghana EXIM Bank to fast track value addition, import substitution and diversification of the economy through the provision of funds for agriculture production and agro-processing. We must ensure that the Ghana EXIM Bank scales up investments in the sector,” Mr. Mahama added.

The Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM) was established by the Ghana Export-Import Bank Act 2016 (Act 911) to support the Government of Ghana's quest for a feasible and sustainable export-led economy.

The NDC flagbearer also urged Ghanaians to support made in Ghana produce as an act of patriotism.

“On the occasion of the 2019 National Farmers Day, let me also remind us all that we need to eat what we grow. Eating what we grow should not only be a social obligation to our farmers but also a patriotic duty to our nation.”

Find below his full statement

I celebrate our gallant farmers and fishers across the country on the occasion of the 2019 National Farmers Day.

To all farmers- small, medium and large scale- including back yard garden owners and investors in agro-processing and agri-business, I assure you of better years ahead.

Investment in Agri-business is the new level that we need to grow and expand in order to enhance agriculture development and transformation.

We can generate greater interest in agriculture, especially among young Ghanaians, when they have the assurance of affordable credit facilities, ready purchase, improved pricing and value addition.

This can happen when we have, among others, agro-processing set-ups around the farm gates.

This is why I established the Ghana EXIM Bank to fast track value addition, import substitution and diversification of the economy through the provision of funds for agriculture production and agro-processing.

We must ensure that the Ghana EXIM Bank scales up investments in the sector.

On the occasion of the 2019 National Farmers Day, let me also remind us all that we need to eat what we grow. Eating what we grow should not only be a social obligation to our farmers but also a patriotic duty to our nation.

Happy Farmers Day!

---citinewsroom