NSS to support Planting for Food and Job policy

As part of efforts to support the government’s flagship programme, Planting for Food and Jobs, the National Service Scheme has plans to cultivate 10,000 acres of arable land across the country.

The move is expected to produce a large stockpile of maize which will be supplied to all second cycle institutions nationwide to support the Free SHS Policy.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, when he paid a working visit to the Dawhenya Farms in the Greater Accra to acquaint himself with the progress of work on the farm.

Despite his disappointment in the destruction caused by the fall armyworm on a portion of the maize farm, he was generally impressed with the progress made so far.

Strategic support

Mustapha Ussif said the Scheme is well placed to support government projects which fall in line with the Scheme’s mandate of alleviating poverty and combating hunger. He said the Scheme will continue to invest in agriculture to ensure Ghana’s food security.

He is confident that the strategic intervention of the Scheme will ease the burden on the government in making second cycle education free for all by providing food which is essential for a sound mind.

“Last year, we assisted the Free SHS program with 5,000 bags of maize but for this year, the vision is to feed all schools under the policy so that the government does not have to struggle with buying maize from any other source except NSS.” he said.

He said the NSS will continue to adopt modern farming technology and inculcate best practices to increase yield. He, however, called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the Scheme in combating the fall armyworm besieging the farms.

Under the current Management, the National Service Scheme has seen a massive revival in its agriculture module and activities. Apart from maize farming, the Scheme has poultry, aquaculture, and livestock production units at Nungua and Papao in Accra and currently making looking to replicate that nationwide.

Among his entourage were Oxford Osei Bonsu, Head of Projects and Armstrong Esaah, Corporate Affairs Director.