Wednesday, 8th November 2021
It has emerged that Ghana has been importing cassava from China and other countries around the world since 2019. This was disclosed by the former regional minister for Bono region (then Bono Ahafo region), Hon. Eric Opoku. The NDC legistor made this revelation during a public lecture organised by the NDC to highlight key concerns in the 2022 budget.
He stated that in the year 2019, Ghana imported $32.5k worth of cassava into the country. For purpose of clarity, the minister asked the audience to go to Google search and type Ghana Imports Cassava 2019 and find out what is there.
This is what was found when our technicians typed that phrase. “In 2019, Ghana imported $32.4k in Cassava, becoming the 131st largest importer of Cassava in the world. … Ghana imports Cassava primarily from: Egypt ($14.5k), China ($8.79k), Belgium ($7.25k), United Kingdom ($683), and Netherlands ($558)“
According to Eric Opoku, Ghana imports almost everything yet the government boasts of implementing one district one factory. He said, the NDC Government built the Komenda Sugar factory and secured a loan to support farmers cultivate sugar cane to feed the factory. Unfortunately, power changed hands and the Nana Addo lead NPP government wouldn’t continue the initiative because it was started by one John Mahama.
This is coming as a surprise to many Ghanaians because the Government has told us that the planting for food and jobs has created abundance of food in the country.
The minister for food and agriculture Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto stated that there was enough food at the buffer stock such that there can never be food shortage in Ghana even if there is drought for a year.
The minister in response to former president John Mahama disputed allegation that Ghana was importing tomatoes from neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Are you surprised? Take to the comments section and let’s hear you. But before you do, search for the phrase.
CitizenOne
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