PFAG proposes 10 percent budgetary allocation to agricultural sector
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has appealed to government to consider allocating not less than 10 percent of its 2022 budget for the agricultural sector.
It said inspite of the fact that the agriculture sector lost its position on the economy to the service sector as the largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it was necessary government took the bold steps in its 2022 budget to revamp the sector.
The Association said the pressure on the agriculture value chain and the attendant difficulties regarding the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers, lukewarm attention to the sector have significant implications for Ghana’s post COVID-19 recovery strategy and food security.
“It follows therefore that the upcoming budget should reflect in the post COVID-19 recovery strategy and food security”.
The statement was in release signed by Dr Charles Nyaaba, Head of Programmes and Advocacy, PFAG and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tamale.
The statement wants government to ensure successful implementation of the Medium-Term Agricultural Sector Investment Plan (METASIP) by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in fulfilment of the Maputo and Malabo declaration of increasing public investment at least ten percent in the agriculture sector by member countries.
Mr Ken Ofori Atta, Minister of Finance is set to present the 2022 budget and economic policy statement to parliament on November 17, 2021.
The statement added that “government in its budget statement should develop mechanisms aimed at tackling the menace of climate change and variabilities, limited investment in new innovations, limited investment in inputs subsidies and mechanization services in order to enhance food security in the country”.