Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, is raising alarm over government’s concentration on gold without same for agriculture.
He fears the development will threaten long-term food security due to what he describes as government’s insufficient investment at the sector. His comments stems from recent policies by the government on the gold-for-reserves programme without same for farming.
The Effutu Member of Parliament, speaking during discussions with the World Bank, acknowledged that although government has given attention to agriculture in policy discussions, same has not been translated into adequate financial support for farmers.
Citing the challenges faced by maize and rice farmers, he shared how they struggle with low prices due to increased imports making foreign produce cheaper.
Afenyo-Markin warned that the overly reliance on the gold-for-reserves to stabilise the cedi could hit a snag if the state fails to support domestic farmers.
“We look at the 2025 budget and the 2026 budget, we like the ambition of the agriculture minister but so much less is being invested in agriculture and it appears government is so much into this GoldBod thing, using gold for reserves to stabilise our currency and all.
“The bubble cannot be sustained if our farmers do not get the proper price for their produce,” he said.
‘If elections are held today, NPP will be the majority’ – Afenyo-Markin
