Edwumawura Programme must transcend into a national policy – Peter Terkper

Policy analyst Peter Terkper has called for the Edwumawura Programme, set to be launched today by President John Dramani Mahama, to be elevated beyond partisan manifesto promises and institutionalized as a national policy.

Speaking to ABC Midday News on Monday, Mr. Terkper stressed that if the initiative is to achieve lasting impact, it must be insulated from political cycles.

“Edwumawura must not be political manifesto promises; it should be rolled out as a national policy, and that will last longer irrespective of the tenure of an administration,” he urged.

His comments come as President Mahama prepares to unveil the programme in the Ashanti Region — a key element of the NDC’s drive to create 250,000 jobs annually.

Mr. Terkper emphasized the importance of depoliticizing the programme’s management structure, cautioning that political interference could dilute its intended benefits.

“Let the farmers be in charge, not politicians,” he advised, warning that when political actors control such initiatives, opportunities risk being diverted to party loyalists and family members rather than genuine beneficiaries.

He further urged the government to ensure that the programme targets the right groups within the value chain, insisting that careful stakeholder engagement and involvement are critical for success.

“When you are able to involve them, the programme will be more effective,” he said.

On implementation strategy, Mr. Terkper recommended a phased rollout rather than an all-encompassing approach, arguing that gradual implementation would better allow for monitoring, corrections, and integration of all stakeholders.

“It should be done in phases and not from a wholistic perspective,” he suggested.