By
Julius K. Satsi, GNA
Accra, Aug. 7, GNA – Mr Park Jae Heung, the
Deputy Director of Korea Rural Community Corporation on Tuesday urged
government to clarify land acquisition and compensation issues in the country,
to impact on agricultural development.
He said the clarification of land acquisition
would go a long way to boost the confidence of investors, who wish to invest in
agribusiness and result in increased production of agricultural produce.
Mr Jae Heung was speaking at a symposium on
agricultural cooperation between Ghana and Korea, jointly organised by the
Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Rural Development
Administration of Korea.
Speaking on the topic: “Agricultural
Development for Cultivating Rice in Ghana,” he said, it was prudent for
government to clarify the land acquisition and compensation method, due to the
customary land tenure, lack of clear land rights and the lack of transparency
for land acquisition.
He also urged government to provide guarantee
for investors through increased participation in the agricultural value chain.
Mr Jae Heung called on government to enlarge
agricultural water management institutions and also by leading the development
of agricultural infrastructures to boost the country’s economy through foreign
investment in agriculture.
He said it was important to increase the
production of rice in the country, as the country imported 680,000 tonnes of
rice annually, representing 66 per cent of rice imports.
He noted that farmers currently produced
180,000 tons of paddy rice per annum, the highest in the country, which was
half of their production capacity.
Professor Robert Kingsford-Adaboh, the
Chairman of the CSIR Council, on his part said the council was excited about
the partnership forged between Ghana and Korea, and that, the Council would
ensure that the collaboration is sustained.
GNA