The General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed concerns regarding Ghana’s stagnant agricultural sector, citing ineffective policy implementation by government officials.
In response to the shortcomings, the government has launched Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two (PFJ2.0) with aims to modernize the agricultural value chain.
This would involve the private sector to improve service delivery, and create employment opportunities for youth.
The Project would replace the already existing Input Subsidy Program which will target about 1.2 million farmers in the first phase over a five-year period.
It is also expected to generate over 420,000 indirect jobs through the cultivation of various crops.
Brazil has pledged $62 million whiles the Czech Republic has committed €10 million to support the program.
The Project would focus on the principles of value chain-promotion, market-driven approaches, private sector focus, and inclusiveness od all stakeholders.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to agricultural inputs, promote modern farming practices and technologies, and elevate the agricultural sector.
However, GAWU’s General Secretary, Edward Kareweh, has criticized the lack of synergy within the Project phases, and has some doubts in its ability to deal with the current agricultural challenges.
