Barring any last-minute hitches, farmer groups in the country will have a say in determining who becomes the next Agriculture Minister in the country, the 2018 National Best Youth Farmer has revealed.
The 2018 National Best Youth farmer Mr. Owiredu Annor hinted that farmer groups in the country have resolved to have a common voice to influence the selection of Agriculture Ministers in the country.
This he said, would enable the farmer’s groups to have a bit of influence over the sector.
‘It is very hellish for our voices to be heard by these ministers, hence the need to select the best person who understands the needs of farmers in the country. [Adding], Since we are not directly involved in the selection process of who becomes the sector minister, it’s difficult to influence certain decisions’.
Owiredu Annor said ‘this is not helping the agriculture sector in any way’.
He further revealed that the Association is putting up a strong farmer group to be the main anchor to drive the agriculture sector.
Speaking on Agriculture Segment on Oyerepa 100.7 FM breakfast show on Wednesday, Mr. Annor is of a strong conviction that, this move will be a game-changer for Ghana’s agricultural sector and the world at large.
He also cited a continuous change of government and political will as a major blow to Ghana’s agriculture sector transformation, arguing that, when there is a change of government, policies on agriculture are ‘booted’ away and new policies are put in place.
‘MOFA facilitated the preparation of the Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP I and II) for 2009 – 2015 and Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP I &II)to navigate the agriculture sector did not see the light of the day due to political will by successive governments. This in effect, had had bad consequences on agricultural transformation for ages.’
Mr. Annor, therefore, called on farmers in the country to rally behind this course, which will inure to their advantage.
Audio of Owiredu Annor
Send your news stories to info@gardjagh.org/agriculturalmediaghana@gamail.com or via 0268909020
