Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed the need for government to diversify Ghana’s agricultural profile.

According to him, it is time serious attention was paid to agro-processing and agri-business as a means of value addition and wealth creation for all persons in the agriculture value chain.

In a Farmers’ Day post on his Facebook page, he stated that the wealth created from the diversification of the agricultural sector would help plug some of the teething problems the country is facing, most particularly unemployment and increasing poverty levels.

“As we commemorate this important day, we must diversify by delving into agro-processing and agri-business as ways of ensuring value addition and wealth creation for all persons in the agriculture value chain.

“This wealth must particularly benefit our farmers and fishers, and also the country. This way, we can get more young people into agriculture to employ more of Ghana's youth and increase our food stock.

“We will also earn foreign exchange through exports and, ultimately increase the income levels of our hardworking farmers and fishers.”

He expressed that with the rapid changes happening across the world, it was of significant interest that Ghana explored new business opportunities, and this can only be achieved through diversification.

“Our world is fast-changing, and we must find new ways of doing business if we are to survive.

“I believe once government averts its mind to the opportunities and comparative advantage we have as a country, we can achieve the goal of prosperity for our country and its people,” he said.

Meanwhile, he took the opportunity to tout the immeasurable contribution of farmers to Ghana’s economy.

He said “Heartiest congratulations to our farmers and fishers on the occasion of this year’s National Farmers Day. You remain our heroines and heroes.

“Through your effort, Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of our economy, employing most of our nation’s working population and being a leading contributor to GDP.

“Not only do you provide our nation’s food and nutrition needs, you also wield the potential to eradicate hunger and poverty and lead our country toward rapid industrialization and shared prosperity through agribusiness.”