Down Memory Lane Highlights of NPP’s 2000 Manifesto Pledge

Part 5

Agriculture

2.2.12.1 The agriculture sector constitutes the hub around which the economy of Ghana revolves. It contributes 40% of the GDP, employs about 66% of the labour force, furnishes 40% of our foreign exchange earnings and provides generously towards our foods security.

Its five sub-sectors, (i.e. viz. Crops, Livestock, Fisheries, Cocoa and Forestry) contribute 63%, 5%, 5%, 16% and 11% of the Agricultural GDP respectively.

2.2.12.2 An NDC Ghana cannot feed itself. It is a net importer of food, with imports of 1.0trillion Cedis in 1997, 1.3 trillion in 1998 and 1.5 trillion in 1999. 7.3% of our total GDP is spent on food. For example, Ghana imports rice and sugar in large quantities; these are food commodities which Ghana used to produce and can still grow, if our farmers are given the support and encouragement. The importation of fish has been given higher priority over stimulation and development of the local fishing industry, for a country that has an extensive marine coastline and vast inland waters. The rate of population growth in Ghana of 2.9-3.0% per annum exceeds the rate of growth of food production.

2.2.12.3 In addition to safeguarding our food security, we need to produce raw materials both for our industries and for export much more efficiently, with improved technologies and the introduction of moiré educated labour to gradually replace the aging small-holder. We must invest more in the sector and be much less dependent on the vagaries of the weather.

Fellow Ghanaians, was an NPP Ghana able to feed Ghanaians? Munsam pa oh!