The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is embarking on a significant agricultural initiative, particularly focusing on rice farming, as part of its manifesto for the 2024 elections. According to Kwame Awuah-Darko, a prominent member of the party, the overarching goal of this ambitious strategy is to foster sustainable livelihoods in Ghana by creating over 294,000 jobs while minimizing the country’s dependency on imported rice. Awuah-Darko criticized current government initiatives such as the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), asserting that the funds allocated to NABCO could have been more effectively invested in agricultural endeavors, especially rice production. He outlined that the monthly allowances for NABCO trainees have totaled over GHS 2.5 billion in three years, an amount that could have transformed 42,000 acres into productive rice farms, thereby facilitating job creation for the youth.
With a background in farming, Mr. Awuah-Darko emphasized that rice farming, specifically, has the potential to be a transformative force for Ghana’s economy. He argued that utilizing the financial resources allotted for NABCO to develop rice production could yield more than 200,000 sustainable jobs. The NDC has a history of supporting the productive sectors of the economy through its policies, contrasting sharply with what Awuah-Darko describes as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ineffective spending. The party’s resolve to enhance the agricultural sector aligns with the goal of ensuring food security and economic stability through a strategically prioritized focus on rice farming.
The NDC’s planned strategy includes significant improvements to irrigation systems in key rice-producing areas, notably the Northern, Volta, and Ashanti regions. According to Awuah-Darko, these enhancements will facilitate increased farming activities by enabling farmers to effectively manage their water resources. To support these efforts, the NDC intends to invest in modern farming equipment and technology to boost productivity and operational efficiency. Additionally, they plan to provide affordable loans and subsidies for critical farming inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, which will assist smallholder farmers in scaling up their operations. Establishing rice mills and packaging facilities is also part of the vision, ensuring that locally produced rice meets international quality standards, thus improving domestic consumption and potential export opportunities.
To further enhance productivity, the NDC’s manifesto proposes the introduction of a 24-hour economy. This initiative aims to extend operational hours across various sectors, including agriculture, thereby maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime. Awuah-Darko highlighted that the 24-hour economy could improve the agricultural supply chain, allowing for continuous processing, packaging, and marketing operations. By providing around-the-clock opportunities, this initiative seeks to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can navigate challenges such as post-harvest losses, ultimately fostering economic growth.
Moreover, the manifesto includes plans for establishing logistics hubs to streamline the distribution process of agricultural produce across the nation. The idea is to create night markets to alleviate the problem of post-harvest losses while also focusing on rural electrification. The latter is crucial for promoting agro-industrial activities in rural communities, enabling them to participate actively in the economy and enhancing their livelihoods. A comprehensive approach, merging these logistics solutions with the agricultural investments, is pivotal for revitalizing Ghana’s agricultural landscape and ensuring sustainable development.
In summary, the NDC’s bold approach to prioritizing rice farming through strategic investments and a comprehensive economic plan presents an opportunity for Ghana to enhance food security and create job opportunities. By redirecting resources towards agriculture instead of less effective programs like NABCO, the NDC aims to cultivate a robust agricultural sector that not only meets domestic demands but also has the potential for export growth. This initiative, coupled with the proposed 24-hour economy and logistical improvements, illustrates the NDC’s commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and revitalizing the agricultural landscape in Ghana, ultimately paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for Ghanaians.
