The former General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Edward Kareweh, has backed the government’s recent ban on grain exports.
However, he said the strategies to enforce the ban must be well-executed to ensure its effectiveness.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Mr. Kareweh warned that with the political season approaching, some individuals might try to exploit the situation and therefore the government should be minded.
“The ban is necessary, but the real issue is how well it’s going to be implemented. The government must ensure that everything put in place is done without any hitches. Government should ensure that things are done right” he said.
The government recently announced an immediate ban on grain exports in response to the severe drought affecting several regions. The decision is aimed at stabilizing food supplies within the country.
However, Mr. Kareweh stressed the need for the government to police the borders effectively and support farmers during this period.
“We want to be sure that the government will genuinely police our borders and also provide the necessary support to farmers,” he stated.
He further described the current moment as “an emotional time” for many, noting that while the exercise is good, it should not be selective.
Mr. Kareweh jabbed the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, calling its first phase a failure.
“It’s a failure, and they should admit it. They are not fit for purpose; they are just making up lies.”
He however argued that if the One Village, One Dam initiative had been successful, it would have helped mitigate the current crisis.
“As a country, we have failed. You don’t wait until now to act,” he lamented.
The former GAWU General Secretary therefore urged the government to implement stronger agricultural policies, stressing the importance of guiding farmers on best practices.
“The government must ensure that farmers adhere to established standards,” he said.
Adomonline.com | Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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