“Second Phase of Planting For Food and Jobs Program Holds Promise for Ghana’s Food Security,” Says Akufo-Addo

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence in the potential of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Programme’s second phase to make the nation self-sufficient in food production and supply. He emphasized that the success of the program relies on necessary investments and assured that the government will provide essential support for its achievement.

Speaking during the Presidential Roundtable Discussion with development partners focused on PFJ, President Akufo-Addo stated, “I am firmly convinced that the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs program will raise awareness about the potential of Ghana’s agriculture and attract the necessary investments so that we can achieve food security and economic growth in Ghana. On behalf of the government, I wholeheartedly acknowledge our responsibility to create a conducive environment, and we are resolutely committed to meeting this expectation through regulatory measures and other incentives.”

Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. John Kumah, also affirmed the government’s dedication to the program’s success. He assured that the Ministry of Finance would release the required funds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the program’s effective implementation.

“By the numbers, the budgetary allocation from the Ministry of Finance has increased from GH¢188 million to GH¢857.8 million in 2022 under President Akufo-Addo,” Dr. Kumah stated. “Crucially, we have maintained our resolve and commitment to the agricultural sector. In 2021, we paid GH¢834 million to MOFA, and despite the difficult economic conditions in 2022, the Ministry of Finance ensured that 92% of MOFA’s approved budget was released.”