The Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF) has declared its readiness to partner the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in the implementation of the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs Programme’.
PEF says its interest in the programme will primarily be focused on adding value to the raw agricultural products to come out of the programme.
Executives of PEF made the pledge when they interacted with the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Minister of Business Development, Mr. Mohammed Awal, at a roundtable discussion last Wednesday.
The aim of the meeting was to seek more clarity about government’s flagship Agriculture Policy and to explore avenues of investment opportunities.
The Federation was particularly delighted at the efforts by government and the Ministry of Agriculture to increase production of local crops for both domestic and industrial consumption.
The discussion further touched on the strengthening of regional ties in terms of commodity exchange in order to enhance trading in the West African sub-region.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto reiterated the commitment of government to partner the private sector in the development of the economy.
He said the ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ programme would be private sector-driven, assuring that the government will comprehensively engage corporate bodies whose activities have direct link to agriculture.
The Minister for Business Development, Mr. Mohammed Awal, also touched on the proposed 20 million-dollar package set aside by government in the budget to support the growth and development of the private sector.
By Edward Kwabi|3news.com|Ghana