In the middle of COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, to do all in his power to preserve Ghana from the prospect of a food crisis.
The King noted that the nation would require the Minister and his ministry to implement steps that would increase food production and protect the populace from any impending risks of famine more than before.
The Asanhene thanked the Minister for his excellent work during the first four years of the NPP administration, especially the introduction of the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, which had ensured that the country achieved self-sufficiency in food production and a breadbasket for the West African sub-region. The Minister had paid the Asanhene a courtesy call as part of a five day working visit.
The Minister had visited five areas, namely Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, and the Eastern Regions, on business.
Challenges
In his speech, the Asantehene emphasised that the COVID-19 outbreak and the most recent Russo-Ukrainian War had caused enormous blows to governments throughout the world.
According to him, the crises had had economic and political ramifications, adding that in the case of Ghana, important policies and initiatives had been disrupted as a result.
"In the first four years of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, which you promoted, food was in plentiful supply, and we were even exporting to nearby nations.
However, Otumfuo said that the COVID-19 outbreak and the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine had a significant negative impact on the advancements gained over time.
Fertilizers and other farming supplies have become very costly and in some cases, not even accessible, he continued, and this has negatively impacted farmers and their farming operations.
The global economy is facing significant difficulties.
The Asantehene pointed out that despite these difficulties, the government and, by extension, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, should not fail to fulfil its obligations to the Ghanaian people.
The Asantehene urged the students, saying, "I am charging you to go and work hard so that Ghanaians can benefit from all the skills you acquired in your academic journey. Your competence is not in question, you have done it before, and I know you will put in place, measures to save the country from plunging into food crisis."
He said he was extremely delighted that the Minister and his team decided not to wait in Accra and accept reports from their staff, but rather elected to embark on the working tours to see things for themselves.
"I'm glad to hear that you went to the field to have a look for yourself. In spite of the difficulties, this will assist you in making wise judgments on how to proceed "he observed.