Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern over Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported food products that could be cultivated locally. He urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to take decisive action to reduce food imports and promote local production.
The Asantehene also called on the government to introduce urgent measures that would encourage greater interest in agriculture, especially among the youth.
He suggested that the government should consider reviving the Operation Feed Yourself initiative, which was implemented during the Acheampong era, if necessary, to revitalize Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and other ministry officials to the Manhyia Palace on Friday, June 13, as part of a working tour of the Ashanti Region.
“It’s sad we import tomatoes and onions. Work hard to ensure that the importation of food is ceased. Even if we import, there should be a reduction so that we grow in Ghana. I will be watching you closely. Ensure the provisions of irrigation to farmers,” he said.
The Asantehene also urged chiefs and traditional leaders to provide land as equity for farming ventures to help advance agricultural development in the country.
