Actor-cum-politician, John Dumelo, has disclosed that he provides employment to approximately 400 people annually to work on his farms.
He considers this initiative as his small contribution to Ghana’s economy and takes pride in offering others a means of livelihood.
Dumelo explained that his motivation to venture into farming stemmed from witnessing vast areas of land lying idle in the northern region of Ghana, while the nation continues to import crops that could be cultivated locally.
This realization fueled his desire to make a positive impact by engaging in agricultural activities.
“Ten years ago, I was driving to the Northern part of Ghana and saw huge fertile fields on the roadside, which can help the country farm and have more foodstuff to sustain the country. So I made up my mind to zoom into farming,” he stated.
According to him, agribusiness is a highly profitable venture. However, he expressed concern about the misconception ingrained in the minds of the youth, leading them to believe that farming is solely for elderly individuals or those residing in rural areas.
During an interview with Nana Jantuah on Nhyira FM’s ‘Kuro Yi Mu Nsem,’ Mr. Dumelo emphasized the urgency of investing more in agriculture. He warned that Ghana might find itself importing eggs in the near future if the country fails to prioritize and enhance its agricultural sector.
“When you get to our supermarkets, most of the fruits, ginger, and other stuff are imported, which should not be allowed because if we sit idle, one day we will import eggs,” he cautioned.
The 2020 Ayewaso West Wuogon Parliamentary Candidate of the NDC says he hopes to receive the government’s support to boost his agribusiness.
“I do not get any support from the government; I finance whatever I am doing on the farm. I hope to receive support from the government and trust I will be called on board.
“It is very costly because I use my own money to pay all the workers I have employed; for instance, when it is time for harvesting, you have to pay those who uproot and all the value chain, but I am happy about it because I have created employment for others. I can employ 300–400 workers annually,” said Mr Dumelo.
He added that the only factor that can positively contribute to the growth of agriculture is irrigation.
“Farming is now expensive, but we have the Volta River, Tunu Dam, and other big streams that can be used for irrigation in agriculture in the country. Hence, if we start irrigation farming on tomatoes, maize, and onions, it will reduce our shortage of those items,” he observed.
Mr Dumelo says agriculture is very important, and discussion of how to make it attractive and stabilise prices will all be in the blueprint of his 2024 manifesto.