A leading member of the NDC, Kwame Awuah-Darko, says focusing on rice farming can create over 200,000 jobs in Ghana

Kwame Awuah-Darko, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined the party's plans to create over 200,000 sustainable jobs through rice farming, a key pillar of their 2024 manifesto.

According to Awuah-Darko, the NDC aims to reduce Ghana's dependency on rice imports by investing in rice production. He noted that the amount spent on Nation Builders Corps (NABCo) trainees, GHC2.5 billion over three years, could have been used to develop 42,000 acres of rice farm, creating more jobs.

The NDC plans to achieve this through expanding irrigation systems, increasing rice yields, and reducing risks associated with rain-fed agriculture. They also plan to invest in modern farming equipment, provide affordable loans and subsidies, and establish rice mills and packaging facilities to ensure locally produced rice meets international standards.

Additionally, the NDC's 24-hour economy initiative aims to maximize productivity across various sectors, including agriculture. This initiative will complement the agricultural investment strategy by extending processing and manufacturing operations, establishing logistics hubs, creating night markets, and enhancing rural electrification.