Government has spent over GH¢1 billon Ghana cedis in 2020 to import fertilisers for its ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ flagship programme.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, who disclosed this said, the move demonstrates government’s commitment towards the development of agriculture across the country.
He stated these while addressing farmers, inputs dealers, regional agriculture directors, district agricultural directors at Ahinsan in the Ashanti Region last Thursday as part of his regional tour.
It was in reaction to calls by especially the farmers on government to reduce prices of fertilisers.
Dr Afriyie-Akoto said government in its quest to make farmers richer has subsidise fertilisers in particular, by 40% stating “… this means the farmer has extra money for savings”.
At the Amanfrom Prison, the Commandant, ADP Francis M. Yelpuo, said the prison has a total of 40 acres of oil palm plantation which gives a year-round harvest.
He said the facility has a 45-sow piggery with current total of 373 pigs, offering a comprehensive practical training to inmates and officers.
Mr Pelpuo also said the prison could boast of 73 sheep and 59 rabbits in addition to a 2-acre vegetable farm.
He added that the prison can also boast of a 40-acre of maize and 10-acre swamp land, the multiplication of taro suckers for the ministry of food and agriculture (MoFA) for onward distribution to farmers.
The commandant appealed to the minister for a 3000litres polytank and nipple drinkers to improve the health of the animals.
However, Dr Afriyie-Akoto entreated the commandant to concentrate on projects they can commercialise to resource others.
“I can’t promise you free tractors but I can offer you one with 40 % reduction and that’s what we can do,” he added.
Later the minister called on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace.
At the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II acknowledged the efforts of government in raising the level of agriculture in the country, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
He pledged his support to sustain the gains made in the agriculture sector.
