By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, April 1, GNA – Mr John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, has tasked the newly inaugurated Board of the Grains and Legumes Development Authority to ensure the production of quality and affordable grains in the country.
He said the Board must also work to improve market access for farmers and promote value addition across the grains and legumes value chain.
Mr Dumelo gave the directive on Tuesday in Accra during the inauguration of the nine-member Board, chaired by Dr Joseph Asako Azumah.
Other members are Mr Assanaba Imoro, Dr Solomon Gyan Ansah, Mr Lordson Sammor-Duah, Mr Mohammed Issifu Pangabu, Mr Donald Awintoma Adabre, Mr Awuni Anaahu, Mr Yakubu Abduli Hamid, and Mr Kwame Addai Amankwah David.
Mr Dumelo said agriculture remained a top priority of government, with grains and legumes forming a critical component of the sector.
“If you look at the agenda of the government, agriculture is at the top, and when you look at agriculture in Ghana, it is mostly about grains and legumes,” he said.
The Deputy Minister charged the Board to ensure that farmers received fair value for their produce while efforts were intensified to improve the quality of grains on the market.
He said the Board’s work would form “almost the foundation” of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen food systems and pledged periodic engagements to assess its performance.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Mr Imoro expressed appreciation to the government for the confidence reposed in members and pledged their commitment to deliver on their mandate.
He said the Authority played a critical role in the production of quality foundation seeds, which served as the basis for large-scale cultivation by registered farmers.
Mr Imoro assured the Ministry that the Board would work to support government’s agenda of achieving food sufficiency.
The Grains and Legumes Development Authority is responsible for the development and regulation of the grains and legumes subsector, including the production and distribution of foundation seeds, coordination with research institutions, and support for farmers to enhance productivity.
Its functions also include promoting standards, facilitating market linkages, and supporting value addition to improve food security and agricultural growth in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey