President Akufo-Addo says his flagship Planting for Food and Jobs policy has made Ghana a net exporter of foodstuff.

While delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament today, January 5, the President stated that the policy has catalyzed Ghana’s agricultural transformation and is setting the country on the right path of industrialization.

“We have seen the dramatic turnaround of our agricultural fortunes, due to the progressive policies that have improved the living standards of farmers in the country.

“The excellently executed policy for Planting for Food and Jobs has laid the foundation for the agricultural transformation of our country.

“We are able to say that our country is now a net exporter of food, and we no longer have to import basic foods like plantain and tomatoes.”

He added that Ghana’s rice following the introduction of the PFJ policy has become the preferred choice in an increasing number of Ghanaian homes following a boost in production and processing.

“Mr. Speaker, Ghana rice is the preferred choice in an increasing number of our homes, as the growing, processing and packaging of rice become a more established and attractive industry,” he said.

He added that due to the improvements in the agricultural sector, Ghana hasn’t been plagued with food shortage as the country continues to battle with the Covid-19 crisis.

“During this Covid crisis, we have, mercifully, been spared the spectre of food shortages. On the contrary, thanks to Planting for Food and Jobs, food has been in abundance in our markets across the country.”

Akufo-Addo says government’s dedication to sustaining the policy throughout the next administration will prove key to the country’s development strategy.

“Throughout the ages, food processing has provided the takeoff point for the industrialisation of many nations, and we are taking that lesson to heart as we pursue the goal to industrialise, modernise and create jobs for the young people of our nation.”