By Elsie Appiah-OseiÂ
Accra, May 23, GNA- Ghana is taking significant strides in agricultural transformation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in human capital, technology, and policy development.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is committed to implementing policies and programmes that support agro-business development, ensure food security, and create economic opportunities.
Mr John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture said at the First Anniversary Symposuim of the Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP) Africa Chapter in Accra on Friday.
Addressing participants at the two-day event on the theme: “Agriunity: Empowering Sustainable Agriculture in Africa”, Mr Dumelo highlighted that agricultural transformation was crucial for economic growth where, agro-business was recognized as a key driver of economic growth, lifting economies and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
“Ghana offer investment opportunities in various agricultural products, including cocoa a major crop in Ghana, with potential for further development and investment, while cassava is another key crop with opportunities for growth and investment and oil palm being a significant crop in Ghana, with potential for sustainable development and investment,” he said.
Mr Dumelo, also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, noted that the government was dedicated to supporting Ghana’s vision for agro-business excellence development through policies and programmes that promoted food security and economic opportunities.
“Agricultural transformation is crucial for economic growth, and we are committed to supporting agro-business development through policies and programmes that promote food security and economic opportunities,” he said.
Dr SA-AD Iddrisu, the Economic Advisor to Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, in his address called for collaboration and partnerships with private sector actors, development partners, and civil societies to co-invest in agricultural transformation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other credit facilities with lower interest rates.
“We welcome partnerships with private sector actors, development partners, and civil societies to co-invest in agricultural transformation through PPPs and other credit facilities with lower interest rates,” Dr Iddrisu said.
Mr Kwame Oppong Ntim, Director for Agribusiness, who, represented the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adajare, said the government was promoting partnerships to unlock economic potential, emphasizing contract commercial farming, agro-processing zones, and capacity building for farmers.
He cited investor-friendly environment that streamlined business registration and regulatory processes, capacity building which supported smallholder farmers through training and certificate programmes, regional market resilience aimed at building a strong agricultural sector to withstand trade challenges were among the key highlights the government was spearheading.
Mr Oppong Ntim encouraged mentorship as well as knowledge sharing experience by professionals to guide young people in agriculture and agribusiness
“I further urge collaboration, investment, and support for the agricultural sector to drive economic growth and development,” he said.
Mr Rajindran Irusan, Chief Executive, ISP Headquarters, Malaysia, noted that ISP Africa was playing a vital role in promoting the development of the planting industry in Africa, particularly in Ghana.
He mentioned policy influence of contributing to shaping government policies related to the industry, knowledge Sharing through the publication of technical materials, hosting conferences, and collaborating with other entities to advance skills and knowledge as well as providing access to professional development opportunities, networking, and career advancement as some of the organization’s activities played to facilitate coordination.
“With branches in multiple countries, including Malaysia and Africa, ISP Africa offers a platform for professionals to stay updated with the latest knowledge and best practices,” he said.
Dr Shermal Perara, Chairman, ISP Africa Chapter, urged participants to take away opportunities shared, learn and develop them.
Mr Chris Foli, Chairman, ISP Africa, Ghana Chapter noted that producing affordable processed food through training and commercial agricultural was about time.
The two-day symposium brought delegates together from Ghana, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Europe, United States of America, and countries on the African continent.
Incorporated on October 8, 1919, the ISP has more than 6,000 members both locally and overseas.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba