Head of Inter-Party and CSO Relations, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has disclosed concerns regarding the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, revealing that there is no formal policy document for its implementation.
In an interview with Oheneba Boamah Bennie on Accra-based radio XYZ, Dr. Otokunor criticized the initiative’s inception under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggesting it was inadequately planned.
“There is no policy document for Planting for Food and Jobs policy; it was not a well-thought-through policy by the NPP.”
Dr. Otokunor underscored the efforts he made in obtaining clarity from the Ministry, saying, “I have personally gone to that ministry [Ministry of Food and Agriculture] to look for the policy document several times, and there is no clear policy on Planting for Food and Jobs”.
His comments highlight concerning deficiencies in transparency and administrative structure within the ministry.
Additionally, he explained that upon assuming power, the NPP integrated the program into the 2017 budget with backing from a $150 million grant from the Canadian Government.
This funding arrangement was formalized through an agreement signed by then Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta representing Ghana, and Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana Ms. Heather Anne Cameron on behalf of the Canadian government.