‘Food security, key to Ghana’s economic empowerment’
Story: Diana Mamley SACKITEY
TAX Consultant at AOB and Associates, Ebenezer Ahulu, has stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in food production to achieve economic empowerment in Ghana.
Mr. Ahulu’s comments come at a time when global food prices and inflation are on the rise, sparking concerns about food security.
For Ghana, he noted, these trends underscore the urgency of developing a sustainable agricultural system that can serve as the foundation for broader economic empowerment.
Experts and policymakers have previously warned that without a more robust agricultural sector, Ghana will remain vulnerable to the fluctuating costs of imports.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast on Zed, Mr. Ahulu pointed out that Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported food products is straining the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, limiting growth potential and exposing the economy to external shocks.
Mr. Ahulu emphasized that by reducing dependency on imports, Ghana could retain more foreign exchange, thus strengthening its economy. “Boosting food production and stimulating economic growth go hand-in-hand,” he said, advocating for a transformation in agricultural logistics and support for farmers.
The consultant laid out a vision for an agricultural sector that not only meets the country’s food demands but also generates employment, raises incomes, and contributes to poverty alleviation.
He stressed the need for policies that would strengthen infrastructure to support farmers and facilitate better access to markets.
Experts and policymakers have previously warned that without a more robust agricultural sector, Ghana will remain vulnerable to the fluctuating costs of imports. His message serves as a reminder that economic empowerment begins with the country’s ability to feed itself.
