Former President John Dramani Mahama has outlined ambitious plans for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should they regain power, emphasizing the implementation of a Feed Ghana Programme aimed at enhancing food production, ensuring food security, and supplying raw materials to various industries. During his address, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to bolster agricultural productivity, which includes the establishment of Farmer Service Centres across all districts. These centres would be pivotal in providing farmers with access to modern agricultural equipment, technologies, and necessary inputs. Additionally, Mahama proposed the creation of Farm Banks in agricultural zones to facilitate access to land and irrigation, which is essential to attract younger generations to farming and sustain the nation’s agricultural landscape.
In the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto titled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity,” Mahama articulated that a critical goal of the proposed agricultural transformation is not only to fight food insecurity but also to create jobs. The plan emphasizes a modernized approach to agriculture that incorporates innovative policies and strategic investments aimed at making the sector more appealing. Mahama highlighted the intention to establish agro-industrial zones tailored to the unique advantages of each region. These zones will serve as hubs for mini-processing plants focused on key staples such as cassava, tomatoes, and fruits, thereby adding value to agricultural products and enhancing local economies.
Additionally, Mahama reiterated his commitment to revitalize the textile and cotton industries, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support these sectors. He outlined plans for the construction of a minimum of 20 medium-scale animal feed processing plants, crucial for improving the poultry industry, which has been struggling in recent years. This proactive approach reflects a broader vision for a holistic agricultural system that not only supports farmers but also strengthens related industries through job creation and economic growth.
The NDC leader also aimed to implement cocoa processing factories in regions known for cocoa production, including Western, Western North, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Volta, and Oti regions. This initiative is expected to maximize the economic benefits derived from cocoa cultivation, empowering local farmers and contributing to regional development. Furthermore, Mahama proposed the establishment of cashew processing factories to be located in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions, diversifying the country’s agricultural export base and tapping into the global demand for cashew nuts.
In a bid to further strengthen local economies, Mahama suggested the promotion of factories for brewing local beers in the Upper East, Upper West, and other regions. This initiative aims to harness local resources and create jobs while promoting Ghanaian products. He also mentioned plans to revive significant state-owned enterprises, including the Zuarungu Meat Factory, Pwalugu Tomato Factory, Wulugu Livestock Station, and the Komenda Sugar Factory. By focusing on these strategic industries, Mahama aims to halt the decline of crucial state assets and revitalize sectors that hold significant potential for local job creation and economic stability.
Finally, Mahama called upon the Ghanaian electorate to support the NDC by voting for both the presidential and parliamentary candidates in the forthcoming elections. He underscored the importance of returning to prudent economic management as a pathway to restore Ghana’s economy and navigate it towards recovery. By entrusting the NDC with leadership, Mahama believes that the proposed policies and initiatives will lead to agricultural innovation, job creation, and an overall uplift of the nation’s economy, ultimately benefiting all Ghanaians.
