The government has committed GH₵1.5 billion to its Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector.
Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that despite financial constraints, the allocation is a strategic move to enhance local food production and reduce unemployment.
Speaking on JoyNews Roundtable on the 2025 budget on Wednesday, March 12, Mr. Ofosu outlined key programs under the initiative, including the Feed Ghana Program, the Ghana Greens Development Project, and the Vegetable Development Project.
A major component of the plan, he said, is Nkokɔ Nketenkete, a Poultry Farm-to-Table Project designed to revive the struggling poultry industry.
“What we call Nkokɔ Nketenkete, which, unfortunately, our political opponents mocked when President Mahama first mooted the idea, is aimed at bolstering the poultry sector, which, as we speak, has collapsed,” he stated.
While the initial focus is on poultry, the initiative will also support farmers engaged in grain production, vegetable farming, rice cultivation, and tuber farming.
“We are starting with poultry, but we know there are many other areas within animal husbandry, snail rearing, and crop production. We will also support farmers growing vegetables, grains like soya beans, rice, yams, cassava, and more,” he added.
The Abura Asebu-Kwamankese legislator emphasized that the government aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where farmers can reinvest their earnings to expand their businesses.
Acknowledging concerns about the sufficiency of the GH₵1.5 billion allocation, Mr. Ofosu assured that this is just the beginning.
“As the economy expands and more funds become available, we will increase allocations to ensure more people venture into agriculture. We believe this is key to job creation, especially given the unemployment challenge,” he noted.
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