Editorial (The Daily Searchlight, Friday, April 8th, 2022)
In spite of two major policy interventions in the agriculture sector over the past few years, prices of basic food commodities in Ghana continue to rise at an astonishing rate.
When the New Patriotic Party was sworn into office, Dr. Afriyie Akoto soon initiated the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ policy. He soon followed up with the ‘Rearing for Food and Jobs’ policy. Neither has led to any credible outturn in food, and prices of foodstuffs have continue to rise.
What is worrying is that foods that are grown in Ghana by Ghanaians also continue to experience price hikes, making feeding a problem for a significant number of Ghanaians, including people who live in rural areas.
In answer to this, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture, says the ministry has expressed confidence that the country will record a good crop yield this year despite the numerous global challenges, especially with fertilizer shortage.
“We are very confident. In spite of all what is happening to fertilizer shortages, rocketing fertilizer prices and fuel prices which is affecting prices, we are confident that we will record good yield,” he assured.
Prices of fertilizer on the world market are on record high since the turn of the year due to the rise in prices of raw materials such as ammonia, nitrogen, nitrates, phosphates and potash, the main components of fertilizer.
Russia which accounts for around 14 per cent of global fertilizer exports, has suspended outgoing trade since its invasion of Ukraine in early February this year, exacerbating the situation.
This, experts have warned, could have dire consequences on global food production and food security.
However, speaking in an interview with the media after the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB), presented a GH¢600,000 cash prize to Mr Mashud Muhammed, the 2021 National Best Farmer, in Accra, Dr Akoto said there was no need for the public to panic over food shortage hitting the country.
He said the country’s agriculture system was very robust and capable of producing enough to meet local demand as well as for export.
It is true that the country’s agricultural system is robust. Peasant farmers continue to labour and suffer to make it so. However, their efforts have not been met with commensurate aide from government to ensure full output. The management has been far from robust under the administration of Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and it is time this was borne home to him.
We believe that given the very fertile nature of land in Ghana, government has not been able to inspire the level of confidence needed in agriculture to create the necessary growth.
We believe that the continued dependence of many Ghanaians on imported rice and other staples is a clear testimony that that they find the imported material cheaper and better than produce from Ghana.
We believe that the time may have come for Dr. Afriyie to endeavor to march his talk with his action. He has not performed creditably, and it would be an asset to the country if he were to be stripped off his position in aide of someone more competent.
