Economist Prof. Patrick Asuming has sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagship “Planting for Food and Jobs” program, calling it a failure in addressing the country’s agricultural and food security needs.
Speaking on ABC News GH, Prof. Asuming pointed out that despite the program’s seven-year existence, food prices continue to rise, and Ghana still relies heavily on imports.
“If we’ve had Planting for Food and Jobs for seven years, and food prices are rising at the rate they are, and we are still importing the basic foodstuffs, it should tell you the program has not worked that well,” he stated.
While acknowledging the positive intentions behind the initiative and the “One Village, One Dam” program, Prof. Asuming stressed that the implementation has been lacking.
He emphasized the need for increased investment in agriculture, stating, “We need more investment in agriculture otherwise… we will continue facing these challenges.”
He further noted that despite growth improvements, food production remains stagnant, posing significant problems for ordinary Ghanaians.
On the subject of taxes, Prof. Asuming supported the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) stance on removing certain taxes imposed by the NPP government, including the controversial E-levy.
“Without blinking, the E-levy should be removed,” he remarked. However, he advised that the government communicate alternative strategies for generating revenue before proceeding with the removal of these taxes.
“We shouldn’t be in a hurry. The government should communicate to us what alternative strategy for raising such revenue before they remove those taxes. But it’s certainly doable,” he added.
