The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, says the ongoing AgriFair provides clear evidence that Ghana can drastically reduce its annual food import bill, which is edging close to US$3 billion.Speaking at the event at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra on Saturday November 29, Mr. Tanoh said the 24-Hour Economy initiative is closely aligned with the objectives of the AgriFair, stressing that Ghana’s heavy dependence on food imports continues to worsen youth unemployment.
“What we are doing at 24-Hour Economy integrates very carefully, very keenly into what this AgriFair represents. We must reduce our imports that is now close to $3 billion a year. If we continue to do this, we will have a situation where this large unemployed army we have of 2.7 million young Ghanaians will not be raised, it will not reduce because all we are doing is exporting our jobs to those we import rice, soya oil, eggs and everything you can imagine from,” he said.
He noted that the displays at the AgriFair show that Ghana has the capacity to produce quality agricultural goods competitively and at affordable prices.
According to him, events like the AgriFair reinforce the message that the country can strengthen its local value chains and boost food security.
“So this kind of event highlights the fact that Ghana can do it and it properly, qualitatively and price competitively,” he added.
Outlining core components of the 24-Hour Economy strategy, Mr. Tanoh highlighted three key value chains: “Growth24,” which focuses on crop production; “Make24,” which supports agro-processing; and “Connect24,” which enhances logistics and supply chain efficiency.
“These value chains are essential to bringing goods to market efficiently, as we are seeing here today,” he stated.
He commended Citi FM for convening producers and consumers, noting that such platforms help counter speculative practices that drive up food prices without improving supply.
“What this is doing is bringing producers and farmers together for quality goods, affordable prices and, most importantly, steady incomes for the farms. So thank you, Citi FM,” he said.
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