Audio By Carbonatix
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says Ghana can serve as a model for the World Bank in identifying missing links to solving problems in agricultural development in Africa.
He observes the country has the requisite human resource capacity, adding what is left is how to harmonize and coordinate agricultural projects to achieve the desired objectives.
Ghana’s Executive Director at the World Bank, Javed Talet, who was at the Manhyia Palace on a courtesy call, emphasized agricultural productivity and population control as critical areas of attention by Ghana.
Otumfuo however raises questions about the slow pace of the country’s agricultural development.
Impediments to agricultural growth, as observed by the Asantehene include, lack of political will “because Politicians in Africa generally maybe look at it that when they have four years to go back to campaign, they want issues that people will see, more than going into agriculture where you cannot see to use as the basis for campaigning”, budgetary constraints to develop road and other infrastructure to propel people to go to the rural areas to farm and “the methods of agriculture, in terms of peasant farming instead of mechanical farming, is also another area that doesn’t enhance growth in agriculture”.
Land tenure is also as a challenge and Otumfuo Osei Tutu said as he entreated chiefs to be engaged in equity participation instead of selling lands, whilst streamlining land acquisition to enhance progress and development.
“Ghana, notwithstanding the oil and gold, is an agrarian economy and agriculture will be, is and should be the main stay of the economy. If we do not look at agriculture seriously, then the economy still wouldn’t grow”, stated the Asantehene.
Mr. Talet is on a one-week visit to Ghana for discussions with government on the World Bank’s strategic areas of collaboration over the next three years.
The Bank is looking at ways to strengthen investments in infrastructure, agriculture and local governance.
The Otumfuo believes decentralization of World Bank projects would endear majority of Ghanaians, especially rural communities to feel the impact of the funding institution.
Manhyia has been involved in World Bank assisted projects in health and education.
The Asantehene called for expansion of partnerships with the traditional authority due to the recorded impact on school enrollment and provision of other facilities like teachers’ accommodation, water and electricity.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
NPP has never used nolle prosequi to shield appointees – Baffour Awuah
2 minutes -
A-G owes it a duty to the State even if we don’t trust him – Dr Bomfeh on AKSA bribery probe
20 minutes -
A Plus dismisses claims poor English explains his limited role in Parliament
28 minutes -
Unauthorised drone flights banned at Manhyia Palace
59 minutes -
Aksa bribery scandal: Ghana’s probe must be pursued with speed – Dafeamekpor
1 hour -
Samson’s Take: When religion threatens peace, sanity must prevail
2 hours -
Friendship: Why time matters less than continuity
2 hours -
Africa’s AI moment: They say data is the new gold. But who is drilling it?
2 hours -
Ghana delivers strong performance in retail market in half-year; value up 15.6% – Maverick Research
2 hours -
The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe. He hasn’t returned in two months
2 hours -
Parliamentary committee commends GIPA’s investment drive, backs key reforms
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses AKSA energy deal, legal vacation and GoldBod losses
3 hours -
Jason Arday: 10 things you may not know about British-born Ghanaian former Cambridge professor found dead at 41
5 hours -
KNUST partners with government to manufacture locally-made agricultural machines and smart traffic lights
5 hours -
Government to add constitutional referendum to 2027 District Assembly elections
6 hours