Kwame Awuah-Darko, a leading member of the NDC
In a bold move to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced an ambitious plan to invest heavily in agriculture, with a focus on rice farming.
Kwame Awuah-Darko, a leading member of the NDC, revealed that this initiative, a key component of the party’s 2024 manifesto, aims to create over 200,000 sustainable jobs while significantly reducing Ghana’s reliance on rice imports.
Highlighting the potential impact of the plan, Awuah-Darko compared it to the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) initiative, stating:
“An amount of GHC700 is spent monthly on each NABCO trainee. Since its inception, NABCO has engaged 100,000 people, costing a total of GHC2.5 billion over three years. That same amount invested in rice production could have developed 42,000 acres of rice farms. This would have created 294,000 sustainable jobs for the youth.”
He emphasised that if such an initiative had been implemented earlier, it would have yielded far greater returns than NABCO, asserting:
“Rice production alone, using the amount spent on NABCO trainees, could have generated over 200,000 sustainable jobs. The NDC are better managers of the Ghanaian economy, with a consistent track record of investing in the productive sectors, unlike the NPP’s history of wasteful expenditure.
Prioritising Rice Farming to Boost Food Security and Job Creation
As a farmer himself, Mr Awuah-Darko outlined the NDC’s plan to expand irrigation systems in key rice-producing regions, such as the Northern, Volta, and Ashanti regions.
This strategy, he explained, aims to scale up rice yields and mitigate the risks associated with rain-fed agriculture.
“Investments in modern farming equipment and technologies will enhance productivity and efficiency, allowing farmers to cultivate rice on a larger scale. Affordable loans and subsidies for seeds and fertilisers will empower smallholder farmers to expand operations. Establishing rice mills and packaging facilities will ensure locally produced rice meets international standards, boosting both domestic sales and exports,” he explained.
Synergy with the 24-hour economy initiative
The NDC’s manifesto also outlines plans to introduce a 24-hour economy, designed to maximize productivity across various sectors, including agriculture.
“The 24-hour economy initiative ensures that agriculture doesn’t end with farming. It creates room for processing, packaging, and marketing to operate without downtime, creating jobs throughout the supply chain,” he explained.
This initiative will complement the agricultural investment strategy by:
Extending processing and manufacturing operations for agricultural produce to operate round the clock.
Establishing logistics hubs to ensure the seamless distribution of farm produce nationwide.
Creating night markets in urban and peri-urban areas to boost trade and reduce post-harvest losses.
Enhancing rural electrification to support agro-industrial activities.
