<<Print>>

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has raised issues with the lack of funds for this year’s Farmers’ Day celebration. 

According to him, the ministry had to depend on sponsorship from some benevolent Ghanaians to ensure that this year’s celebration comes off.

Dr. Afriyie Akoto disclosed this on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 ahead of this year’s celebration.

“The constraints on the national budget have been a major drawback to this year’s operation given that some budgetary allocation of two million cedis approved for the fiscal 2016/2017 was maintained in 2018.

“In effect, the ministry has had to rely heavily on sponsorship from corporate Ghana and other development partners to ensure a successful celebration.”

The minister appealed to Parliament to seriously consider the ministry’s allocation for the coming year, and ensure that the Farmers’ Day celebration is well catered for.

“Moving forward, it is the hope that the budget approved for the national Farmers Day will reflect the status of agriculture as the lead sector of propelling Ghana’s economy to the height of prosperity that we all desire.

“ I ask therefore that in reviewing the 2019 budget estimate for the Ministry of Agriculture, this matter will seriously be given attention…and receive favourable consideration,” Dr. Afriyie Akoto stated.

He noted that despite the limited budgetary allocation, his ministry will ensure that deserving farmers are rewarded on Friday, December 7.

This year’s celebration is under the theme: Agriculture, moving Ghana Beyond Aid, and the event to mark the celebration will take place in Tamale.

He also assured farmers in the country of government’s continuous support since agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s development.