Kwame Awuah-Darko, a prominent figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has proposed a groundbreaking alternative to the National Builders’ Corps (NABCO) initiative. He argues that if funds allocated to NABCO had been directed toward large-scale rice production, Ghana could have addressed unemployment more sustainably while reducing its dependence on rice imports.
NABCO, launched to provide temporary jobs for Ghanaian graduates, has benefited over 100,000 individuals, with each receiving a monthly allowance of GHC 700. However, the program has cost the government a staggering GHC 2.5 billion over three years. Critics, including Awuah-Darko, have questioned its long-term impact, citing challenges such as delayed payments and the lack of a clear exit strategy for beneficiaries.
Awuah-Darko suggests that redirecting these resources into agricultural initiatives would have had a more transformative effect. According to him, the funds spent on NABCO could have supported large-scale rice farming, creating 42,000 acres of rice fields and employing over 200,000 people sustainably. “Investing in agriculture, particularly rice production, offers a more enduring solution to unemployment,” he explained during an interview with Channel One News.
### NDC’s Vision for Agriculture as a Growth Driver
The NDC, as part of its 2024 manifesto, has pledged to prioritize agriculture as a central pillar for job creation and economic growth. Awuah-Darko outlined a strategic plan to use the sector as a vehicle for sustainable development. At its core is a focus on reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported rice by investing in local production. This initiative aims to generate significant employment opportunities while boosting the nation’s food security.
“Rice farming alone could have absorbed thousands of young people into meaningful employment, providing them with skills and a stable income,” Awuah-Darko emphasized. He also criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he described as “wasteful expenditure” on short-term programs like NABCO, which fail to create lasting impact.
### Leveraging Local Resources for Sustainable Impact
A key component of the NDC’s agricultural strategy is the expansion of irrigation systems in regions with high potential for rice production, such as the Northern, Volta, and Ashanti regions. By enhancing access to water for farming, the plan aims to improve productivity and reduce the risks associated with rain-fed agriculture.
In addition, Awuah-Darko highlighted the need for investments in modern farming equipment and infrastructure, such as rice mills and packaging facilities. These developments would not only increase efficiency but also ensure that locally produced rice meets international quality standards, opening up opportunities for export. Affordable loans and subsidies for smallholder farmers would further enable them to access critical resources like seeds and fertilizers, allowing them to scale up their operations.
### Transforming Agriculture Through a 24-Hour Economy
The NDC’s proposed 24-Hour Economy policy ties seamlessly into its agricultural vision. This approach seeks to maximize productivity across various stages of the agricultural value chain, from farming to processing and distribution. By ensuring round-the-clock operations, the policy would create jobs at every level of the supply chain while reducing post-harvest losses.
Under this initiative, logistics hubs would be established nationwide to facilitate the efficient transportation of farm produce. Urban and peri-urban areas would also benefit from night markets, which would boost trade and improve access to fresh produce. Moreover, expanded rural electrification would support agro-industrial activities, making it possible for farmers and processors to operate continuously.
“The 24-Hour Economy ensures that agriculture doesn’t stop at harvesting,” Awuah-Darko explained. “It creates opportunities for processing, packaging, and marketing, all of which generate additional jobs and economic value.”
### Addressing Unemployment and Food Security
The NDC’s plan to redirect resources toward agriculture presents a holistic solution to some of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. By focusing on rice production, the party aims to address unemployment, improve food security, and drive economic growth. The strategy aligns with global trends that emphasize the role of agriculture in achieving sustainable development goals.
Awuah-Darko’s vision underscores the transformative potential of agriculture when supported by sound policies and adequate investment. His proposal not only offers a critique of the current administration’s approach but also provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the NDC’s focus on agriculture could resonate with voters seeking long-term solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges. By reimagining how public funds are allocated, the party aims to position agriculture as a catalyst for change, capable of creating jobs and securing the nation’s food needs.
This vision, if implemented, could mark a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to development, proving that strategic investments in productive sectors can yield lasting benefits for all.
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