Investing in Ghana’s Agriculture: A Call for Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
Dr. George Domfeh advocates for investment in Ghana’s agriculture to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports, which he argues places pressure on the Cedi. He emphasizes the need for a long-term focus on self-sufficiency, rooted in historical policy failures since independence in 1957.
Dr. George Domfeh, a Development Economist, is urging significant investment in Ghana’s agricultural sector to cultivate job opportunities and diminish reliance on imported foods. He explained that this dependency not only hinders local production but also places undue pressure on the national currency, the Cedi. Enhancing self-sufficiency in agriculture could potentially strengthen the Cedi by fostering local and export-oriented production.
During the post-budget dialogue at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in collaboration with the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) on March 14, Dr. Domfeh emphasized the importance of serious engagement with agriculture. “Because we are not serious with agriculture and we are not seriously doing anything to cut importation, we depend so much on what others have produced,” he stated. Dr. Domfeh also highlighted global economic challenges, noting that countries such as the US and Germany experienced high inflation leading to political consequences, which ultimately affects Ghana due to its import reliance.
He pointed out that the current economic challenges are remnants of systemic issues rooted in policies dating back to Ghana’s independence in 1957. Dr. Domfeh stated, “It was unfortunate we blamed everything on the ruling government…it is not because of what we didn’t do right in the year 2022 that got us where we were but what we have refused to do right since 1957.” He concluded with a call for a collective shift towards improving agriculture and manufacturing sectors, advocating for proactive steps to reduce dependency and create job opportunities for Ghanaians.
In summary, Dr. George Domfeh urges a robust investment in Ghana’s agriculture to minimize food imports and bolster local currency stability. He highlights the historical neglect of agricultural development since independence as a root cause of current challenges. By focusing on strengthening agricultural and manufacturing sectors, Ghana can create jobs and enhance self-sufficiency.
Original Source: 3news.com
