Accra, Dec. 6, GNA – Mr Godfred Lomotey, the Director of Agriculture at the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, has urged private sector institutions to invest in the agriculture value-chain to complement government’s efforts in ensuring food security.
He said investment in the sector would create the avenue for employment, boost nutrition of the populace and make agriculture attractive to the youth.
Mr Lomotey said this in an Accra as part of his goodwill message to farmers and fishers who were honoured during the 37th National Farmers Day celebration.
Funding was crucial to the sector due to the pivotal role farming played in national development, he said.
“One could imagine our fate if there were no farmers and fishers to provide our food and nutritional needs for our healthy growth and development,” Mr Lomotey said.
He commended farmers and fishers for their tremendous contribution to national development even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They continuously helped to put food on the table of Ghanaians to ensure the immune system was strengthened to assist the body in combating diseases, especially the COVID-19,” he said.
He commended the nine farmers in the Municipality who distinguished themselves in the year under review, especially Ms Olivia Quaye, the Overall Best Farmer, and Ms Elizabeth Dagadu, the Best Crop Farmer, for their feat.
Mr Samuel Nii Adjei Tawia, the Municipal Chief Executive of Korle Klottey, said although the agricultural sector was a source of livelihood for many, it was constrained with the challenge of access to land.
He urged the public, especially the youth, to take up urban farming, which was organic based, not requiring big size of land and had the potential to improve the local economy.
“A major dimension of any nation’s security is to ensure food security as a priority, there is incontrovertible evidence across the world that food insecurity is a major driver of conflict and consequently insecurity,” Mr Tawiah said.
“It leads to poverty, hunger and anger, creating fertile grounds for conflict due to the vulnerability of victims. This is why food production and access are important and must be prioritised at all times.”
He said President Akofo-Addo recognised the importance of the sector hence his government’s resolve to implement the Planting for Food and Jobs and Planting for Export and Rural Development, which the Municipality was reaping the benefits.
Mr Tawiah said markets in the area were being restructured to ensure proper storage of farm produce to maintain their nutrients.
GNA