President John Mahama on Thursday, March 6, reiterated that agriculture remains Ghana’s biggest opportunity to reduce import dependence, with over two billion dollars spent annually on food imports.

He said the Government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda was structured to strengthen local agribusiness and ensure food security.

The President said this in his address at Ghana’s 68th Independence Day Celebration Parade at the forecourt of the Presidency in Accra on the theme “Reflect Review and Reset”.

President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania was the special guest of honour at the event.

Also in attendance were Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents: Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.

President Mahama said the Feed Ghana programme would drive mass food production and stabilize food prices.

“At the same time, the Poultry Farm to Table initiative, otherwise referred to as ‘Nkoko nketenkete’ programme, will boost domestic poultry production and processing to directly address our 95 per cent reliance on imported poultry products,” President Mahama said.

“The success of these policies depend on active citizen participation, particularly from our young people.”

He noted that the Agribusiness programme would equip 30,000 young people with land, training, and agribusiness opportunities.

He said Farmer Service Centres in every district would provide access to mechanization services, quality seeds, and fertilizer to boost local food production.

“My brothers and sisters, this is a defining moment, but policies alone, no matter how well-coached and no matter how well-intentioned, will not change our reality.

Action will change that reality,” the President stated.

“As President, I’m taking the necessary action to create growth opportunities and enhance our economic independence.”

He said young Ghanaians must step up to the plate, seize these opportunities, and contribute to building a self-sufficient nation; declaring that “Ghana’s economic future is in your hands.”