We’ll use agric to attain first class economy – Dr Akoto
Flagbearer hopeful Dr. Akoto says agric can help the country attain first class economic status
The flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and immediate past Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has assured Ghanaians of using agriculture to attain the status of a first class economy when he become President in 2024.
He stated that during his presidency, he would establish a newly formed Agricultural Management Team (AMT) that he himself would lead as the President, with the purpose of propelling agricultural growth. Furthermore, there would be an Economic Management Team that would be supervised by the Vice President.
The Agricultural Management Team (AMT) will consist of seven ministries associated with agriculture, which are Food & Agriculture, Finance, Trade and Industry, Lands and Natural Resources, Transport, Local Government Decentralization and Rural Development, and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Dr. Akoto mentioned that the implementation of the AMT is anticipated to enhance supply chain logistics and enlarge market accessibility. Additionally, it is expected to initiate infrastructure developments such as feeder roads, hospitals, housing, rural electrification, irrigation, and storage, among other essential projects. He made these remarks during his talk on “The Future of the Economy of Ghana,” which was given yesterday in Accra.
During the event, the former agriculture minister, Dr. Akoto, was able to offer his perspectives on transforming the agricultural sector into a foundation for funding the growth of Ghana’s entire economy. He utilized the occasion to publicly declare his interest in running for the position of NPP flagbearer and communicated that Ghana must prioritize agricultural transformation at the highest level of governance by implementing a clearly defined vision and strategy.
Dr. Akoto elaborated on the crucial components that should be incorporated into this strategy, which includes prioritizing investments to attain sustainable food systems that cannot be compromised, in order to transform agriculture for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
He emphasized that evidence-based approaches must be employed to drive agricultural policies. It is imperative that policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders in the value chain receive adequate training to harness the advantages of data for informed decision-making.
“Precision agriculture that gives farmers the ability to use inputs more effectively to increase productivity will be prioritized,” he said.
Dr Akoto was optimistic that, this would help curb the effects of climate change and sustain yields in farmers’ fields, in order to grow crops that would be resilient to withstand drought, heavy rains and heat.
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