Government acquires 20,000 acres of agricultural land for the National Security Service's farming initiative
Fresh Take:
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, recently announced a significant endeavor in partnership with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Secretariat. They're planning to develop around 20,000 acres of farmland in Sekyere Kumawu, Ashanti Region, with a focus on boosting maize, tomato, groundnut, and livestock production.
Ken Ofori-Atta unveiled this initiative during the 2023 mid-year budget review presentation as part of the government's mission to fuel excitement among the youth for agriculture. This land will be kitted out with advanced technology to facilitate mechanized farming.
The NSS Secretariat has consistently forged innovative partnerships over the years, aiming to enhance the skills of personnel across various sectors while bridging the gap between academia and industry. Two notable examples include a low-cost housing project with Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in 2022 and a partnership with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Innohub in 2021 to foster entrepreneurial skills.
The agricultural project is just another addition to the list of initiatives aimed at empowering graduates and encouraging self-employment. The Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program, mentioned by Ofori-Atta, has already contributed to an impressive increase in crop yields, resulting in improved food security and a boom in employment within the agricultural industry.
Phase II of the PFJ program is currently underway, with key elements such as an inputs credit system, storage and distribution infrastructure, commodity trading, and digitized platforms. The minister indicated that this phase aims to offer more efficient and targeted support for the agricultural sector.
Moreover, Ken Ofori-Atta mentioned the GhanaCARES 'Obaatan Pa' program, which is likely focused on building the capacity of the youth in agriculture, although specific details about this program remain scarce. The program would likely encompass training, financial support, access to technology, and market access to aid young farmers.
"With these strategic interventions, we are not only strengthening the agricultural sector but also fostering employment opportunities and food security," said the minister.
- This new agricultural initiative by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in partnership with the NSS Secretariat, aims to educate and self-develop the youth, focusing on farming and technology.
- The 20,000 acres of farmland in Sekyere Kumawu, Ashanti Region, will not only promote the production of maize, tomato, groundnut, and livestock but also offer employment opportunities to the youth.
- The NSS Secretariat has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing skills across various sectors, including agriculture, by forging partnerships, such as the one with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Innohub, to foster entrepreneurial skills.
- The government's agricultural projects, like the ongoing Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program and the GhanaCARES 'Obaatan Pa' program, are geared towards development in finance, infrastructure, and employment, particularly in the agricultural sector.
- The PFJ program has already showcased significant success, increasing crop yields, improving food security, and boosting employment within the agricultural industry.
- The GhanaCARES 'Obaatan Pa' program, though details are not yet fully disclosed, is expected to provide training, financial support, access to technology, and market access, helping young farmers thrive in the sector and contributing to overall economic development.
