The Silence Won't Help; Publicize Your Good Works - Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah Tells Akufo-Addo

Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a lecturer of the Central University in Accra, has called on government to amplify public education on its good policies and initiatives.

Reacting to President Nana Akufo-Addo's State of the Nation Address, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah wondered why the government is silent on some of its good works that are benefiting Ghanaians.

President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Parliament on Tuesday, March 9.

He touched on various sectors of the economy and one of the sectors that, according to Dr. Otchere-Ankrah, must be in the spotlight is the agricultural sector.

Speaking on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' programme, he narrowed his discussion to the government's Planting for Food and Jobs policy.

The President, in his address, recounted the benefits of the policy saying, "we have seen the dramatic turnaround of our agricultural fortunes, due to the progressive policies that have improved the living standards of farmers in the country. The excellently executed policy for Planting for Food and Jobs has laid the foundation for the agricultural transformation of our country. We are able to say that our country is now a net exporter of food, and we no longer have to import basic foods like plantain and tomatoes''.

"Mr. Speaker, Ghana rice is the preferred choice in an increasing number of our homes, as the growing, processing and packaging of rice become a more established and attractive industry. During this COVID crisis, we have, mercifully, been spared the spectre of food shortages. On the contrary, thanks to Planting for Food and Jobs, food has been in abundance in our markets across the country," he added.

Dr. Benjamin applauded the President for his good initiative but called for intense publicity.

He shared a testimony where he as a farmer cum lecturer went to buy seeds for his farm and was told the government has subsidized the prices making it affordable for farmers due to the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative.

He wondered why many Ghanaians are not fully aware of the benefits of the intiative.

He noted that agriculture is one of the avenues to generate huge revenues for the country and so urged the government to educate Ghanaians on the Planting for Food and Jobs policy as well as all other good works by the President.

"The publicity is on the low; let's pay attention to it. Because even if we can get more (food) to feed ourselves and not able to export, it will help us as a nation," he said.