The North East Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is on the heels of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to fulfill its promise of setting up a watermelon factory under the one district one factory initiative to ameliorate the plight of farmers in the area.
At a press conference on Friday addressed by the Regional Communications Officer Imoro Abdul-Razak, he bemoaned the plight of watermelon farmers in area indicating that the produce easily rot away because they have no way of preserving them despite the prospects of generating revenue for farmers in the area compared to other cultivated crops.
He reminded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of his promise made to the people of the area and urged him to ensure that it comes to life for his kinsmen to enjoy since it was among the litany of promises made by his government prior to 2016 polls.
“Vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia then vice presidential candidate to then presidential candidate now President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo on a live program on a local FM station and many on campaign platforms said the NPP as part of their flagship program, 1 District 1 Factory (1D1F) will establish a watermelon factory for the people of now North East Region, which happens to be his home region. Almost 3 years today, it appears the tough talking and “I will walk my talk” Vice has proven and shown a rather trademark of incompetence and nonchalance towards the plight of not only the watermelon farmers but every issue bordering the welfare of us in North East,” he stated.
According to the NDC, watermelon farming has lately been a source of quick money for youth who hitherto were not interested in farming.
“Farming therefore is our primary employment hitherto were not interested in farming. The farming of watermelon gained prominence and has attracted the financial institutions to be ready in giving out loans to farmers desiring to engage in commercial farming,” he observed.