Wumbei Abdullai, Secretary to the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) in the Northern Region, has praised the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative conceived by the Akufo-Addo government.
The programme was launched by the President at Goaso in the Asunafo North district of the Brong Ahafo Region on Wednesday April 19.
According to the President, the programme is the basis of the answer to the twin problem of the migration of youth to city centres in search of non-existent jobs as well as an end to the disgraceful spectacle of Ghana importing foodstuffs from neighbouring countries.
Planting for Food and Jobs, the President explained, will be anchored on the pillars that will transform Ghanaian agriculture: the provision of improved seeds, the supply of fertilisers, the provision of dedicated extension services, a marketing strategy, and the use of e-agriculture.
“The Planting for Food and Jobs programme is expected to increase the production of maize by 30 per cent; rice by 49 per cent; soybean by 25 per cent; and sorghum by 28 per cent from current production levels. This programme will create 750,000 jobs in both direct and indirect employment,” he added.
Speaking on this initiative in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra100.5FM on Thursday April 20, Mr Abdullai said: “In my opinion I will say it is a laudable idea, it is very encouraging, it is very important.
“I say this because we are all aware that for the past eight years the agricultural sector has been suffering, so any government that comes to bring initiatives that would improve the agricultural sector, as partners in the agricultural sector we need to embrace it. So it is a good policy and we support that.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
