The Akufo-Addo-led government must place premium on agriculture in order to ensure food security in the country, Kusi Boafo, an economist, has said.
According to him, several Ghanaians are unable to feed themselves due to high cost of food produced locally, hence the need to remove bottlenecks in the agricultural sector to provide immediate relief to citizens.
Speaking in an interview with Accra News’ Obeng Mensah on Wednesday January11, Mr Boafo said the government must take steps to remove taxes on farm inputs such as fertilizer, weedicides, and pesticides, explaining that once that is done, farmers will be able to produce more to feed themselves and the larger population.
He said: “We all know the country’s economy is not in good shape. The country’s debt is very high. We also have a very high interest rate, huge salary arrears, and the energy crisis. And so the new government will need to give Ghanaians the confidence that these challenges will be dealt with.
“I have looked at the ministerial appointments so far and I am very optimistic that they will deliver because these are men and women of substance and experience.”
Mr Boafo, however, cautioned: “I will urge the government to give contracts based on competence, not on partisan lines.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
