By Eric Yaw Boakye, GNA
Atebubu Amaintin (Bono East) Dec.07, GNA – Mr. Bright Attah Boateng, the Atebubu Amantin Municipal Agricultural officer has emphasized the importance of agriculture in Ghana’s economy noting that the agricultural sector remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy, employing 38.3 per cent of the total workforce and providing raw materials for industry.
He said at the event of the celebration at Atebubu Amaintin that the sector also accounts for approximately 21percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr. Boateng highlighted the significance of the “Feed Ghana” initiative, aimed at increasing food production and reducing reliance on imports adding that eating Ghanaian products promotes the country’s culture, supports the economy and preserves heritage.
The citizens aging invest in farmers, communities and the future by choosing Ghana products, he said
He cited the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2024 Trade Report, which revealed that Ghana’s annual food import bill was GHS 26.7 billion in 2023 ($2.30 billion USD) which underscores the need to step up domestic food production to reduce food import dependency.
The Feed Ghana Programme aims to accelerate the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector, ensure food security, create sustainable employment, and enhance economic growth by reducing import dependency while boosting domestic production and exports.
Mr. Boateng mentioned that 293 Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) have been registered on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture National Data Base System by the Atebubu Amantin Department of Agriculture.
He cautioned farmers and the public against bushfires, indiscriminate tree felling, charcoal burning, and conflicts between crop farmers and herdsmen which negatively affect Agricultural practices
Mr. Maswud Thomas Ayarba, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) congratulated the awardees and acknowledged the President’s commitment of supporting farmers through policies by reducing production costs, expanding irrigation and mechanization, improving market access and modernizing the agricultural value chain.
Mr. Ayarba advised farmers to register for the Nkokonketenkete initiative, aimed at reducing chicken imports, and President’s vegetable production project, which intends to create jobs for Ghanaians.
Mr. Francis Akabanga was awarded the overall best municipal farmer for Atebubu Amantin at the event which recognized the contributions of hardworking Ghanaian farmers, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth and ensuring food security.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh /Kenneth Odeng Adade