Dr. George Domfeh emphasizes the need for substantial investment in Ghana’s agriculture sector to create jobs and reduce reliance on imported foods, advocating for measures to strengthen the local economy and currency. He highlights historical challenges since independence and the importance of self-sufficiency in light of global inflation.
Dr. George Domfeh, a Development Economist, advocates for significant investments in Ghana’s agriculture sector to foster job creation and reduce dependency on imported food. He asserts that enhancing local agricultural production will not only provide jobs but also strengthen the local currency, the Cedi, which has been adversely affected by heavy reliance on imports.
During his address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) post-budget dialogue on March 14, Dr. Domfeh emphasized that the country must shift its focus to agriculture. He elucidated that dependency on foreign food products has led to a weak Cedi, resulting in higher prices for consumers when international inflation rates rise.
Dr. Domfeh noted that external inflationary pressures, as seen in the US, Germany, and the UK, have consequences for countries reliant on imports like Ghana. He reiterated the necessity for Ghana to develop its agricultural capabilities to counteract such adverse effects and bolster its economy through self-sufficiency.
Additionally, he reflected on the historical context of Ghana’s challenges since gaining independence in 1957, challenging the prevailing notion that current struggles are solely due to recent government actions. Instead, he calls for national introspection and a unified approach toward enhancing agriculture and manufacturing to create sustainable economic pathways.
In conclusion, Dr. George Domfeh strongly advocates for improving Ghana’s agriculture sector as a means to create jobs and strengthen the economy by reducing dependency on imports. He highlights the historical challenges faced since independence and urges a collective effort toward agricultural self-sufficiency to combat rising external inflation pressures and bolster the local currency, the Cedi.
Original Source: 3news.com