Q&A With Harry Yamson on NDC’s Strategy to Transform the Agricultural Sector

Read Time: 3 minutes

Harry Yamson

Q&A With Harry Yamson on NDC’s Strategy to Transform the Agricultural Sector

Introduction:

In a time when Ghana’s agricultural sector is grappling with significant challenges and opportunities, the political discourse surrounding the future of farming and agribusiness is more crucial than ever.

As the nation stands on the precipice of potential transformation, the focus on agriculture in the NDC’s latest manifesto has sparked vigorous debate. Critics question the emphasis on traditional crops like cocoa, pointing to more lucrative alternatives and emerging sectors with untapped potential.

In this exclusive Q&A, we address these pressing concerns and delve into the heart of the NDC’s agricultural strategy. We explore the practical implications of the party’s policies, scrutinise the focus on cocoa amidst rising competition from other crops, and examine how the NDC plans to tackle perennial issues such as surplus produce and export challenges. Join us as we navigate through these complex issues and uncover the party’s vision for transforming Ghana’s agribusiness landscape.

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Q: Your manifesto seems to outline broad intentions, but critics argue that it lacks specific, pragmatic steps and figures to back these proposals. How do you respond?

Harry Ekow Yamson: Manifestos outline policies and provide direction. A policy like the reintroduction of the fertilizer subsidy program or establishing Farmer Service Centres is practical, specific, and measurable. Details such as investment figures and timelines will be provided in the medium term plans and the Budget Statement to give a clearer roadmap for implementation.

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Q: Why does the NDC continue to prioritize cocoa in its agricultural agenda, when farmers are increasingly turning to more lucrative cash crop alternatives?

Harry Ekow Yamson: The NDC acknowledges the challenges facing cocoa, such as illegal mining and farmers switching to more profitable crops. Our manifesto promotes innovative financing, sustainable practices, and youth engagement in cocoa farming. However, we also recognize the importance of diversification. The NDC is open to supporting high-value crops and medicinal plants through partnerships, research, and export strategies to meet emerging market demands.

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Q: One major concern raised is the surplus of crops like plantain, where farmers struggle to find buyers. What practical solutions does the NDC offer to address these market issues?

Harry Ekow Yamson: The surplus of plantains and other crops is a valid concern. Our solution lies in enhancing the value chain. We propose establishing agro-processing centres, improving market linkages, and introducing storage solutions to reduce waste. These are part of the Feed Ghana Programme and Feed Industry Programme, which will be further detailed in the implementation phase in partnership with the private sector.

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Q: Shea butter and cashew industries have long been neglected. What will the NDC do differently to ensure the success of these sectors?

Harry Ekow Yamson: The NDC recognises the past failures in advancing the cashew and shea butter industries. We propose the establishment of a Cashew Development Board and a Shea Development Project to tackle this issue. These bodies will develop clear action plans, investment incentives, and export strategies to ensure success for farmers and investors in these industries.

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Q: Critics say that your policies don’t reflect a willingness to take risks or venture into new areas beyond cocoa. What’s your take on that?

Harry Ekow Yamson: The NDC manifesto does focus on cocoa, but it also promotes other high-demand products, medicinal plants, and industrial crops. Our policies encourage private-sector innovation and risk-taking, and we are committed to exploring new markets while ensuring that Ghanaian farmers benefit from these ventures.

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Q: Exporting agricultural products has been challenging due to the low demand for Ghana’s crops on the international market. How does the NDC plan to tackle this?

Harry Ekow Yamson: It’s true that exporting some of our crops has been difficult. However, the NDC’s approach focuses on improving product quality and creating value-added industries. By supporting high-demand crops like medicinal plants and industrial crops, and establishing local processing facilities, we can improve our export potential. Our policies will incentivise local investors to process crops like cashew for export to the global market.

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Q: Why has the NDC not explored other commodities more aggressively?

Harry Ekow Yamson: We agree that more focus could be given to new cash crops. The NDC manifesto supports a strategic crops initiative, which will promote these in-high-demand crops. Our policies aim to incentivise local investors, improve processing capabilities, and open up new markets for these products like cashew, mango, shea and cotton.

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Q: Some believe that the NDC should encourage individuals to take initiative in agribusiness rather than relying solely on government intervention. What’s your view?

Harry Ekow Yamson: I agree that individual initiative plays a crucial role. While the government provides the framework and support through policies, private-sector participation is key to success. The NDC’s policies aim to create an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive in agribusiness, and we encourage private-sector risk-taking and investment.