President Akufo-Addo has reiterated the potential of the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme (PFJ) to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and supply for the nation.
He expressed confidence that the program could meet its objectives given the required investment.
During the Presidential Roundtable Discussion with development partners on the PFJ, the President affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the scheme and creating an enabling environment for its success.
He stated, “I am firmly convinced that the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme will raise awareness about the potential of Ghana’s agriculture and attract the necessary investments so that we can achieve food security and economic growth in Ghana. On behalf of the government, I wholeheartedly acknowledge our responsibility to create a conducive environment, and we are resolutely committed to meeting this expectation through regulatory measures and other incentives.”
Additionally, Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. John Kumah assured that the Ministry would release the necessary funds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to facilitate the program’s effective implementation.
“By the numbers, the budgetary allocation from the Ministry of Finance has increased from GH¢188 million to GH¢857.8 million in 2022 under President Akufo-Addo. Crucially, we have maintained our resolve and commitment to the agricultural sector.
In 2021, we paid GH¢834 million to MOFA, and despite the difficult economic conditions in 2022, the Ministry of Finance ensured that 92% of MOFA’s approved budget was released.”