NPP Flagbearer hpeful Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has presented his vision to members of the party in Canada via zoom.
He psoted:
On Sunday 7th May,2023 0700 Gmt , I had the opportunity to address the diasporan branch of the New Patriotic Party in Canada via zoom . In my address I stated clearly what motivated me to aspire for the flagbearer ship position of the new Patriotic Party. I mentioned that Ghana’s inability to earn adequate revenue to fund its economic activities is the source of the dire economic circumstances that she find herself in.
I also stated that our overreliance on both domestic and external borrowing has resulted in our current GDP debt of 93.5%. The oil find which many believed was the final solution to our economic woes has not provided the expected results. Unfortunately, we go back to IMF every four years to seek paltry sums of money to resolve our economic problems. So far Ghana has sought refuge with the International Monetary Fund 17 times but all these interventions by the IMF have not brought us the economic independence that we badly need. It is evident our search of a permanent solution to our economic independence must be found elsewhere.
On my part , I have had considerable working experience spanning 18 years as a consultant and Economist with the International Coffee Organisation and also at the World Bank as a consultant (United Nations agency) on soft commodities – namely cocoa, coffee and sugar.
In addition I also served as a Member of Parliament for two terms in opposition holding the portfolio of a Ranking member for the Agriculture and cocoa Affairs committee. Furthermore I served as a Minister for Food and Agriculture for six years in the current administration. Therefore, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that the agriculture sector given the needed support has what it takes to change the fortunes of Ghana’s economy.
During my stewardship as a Minister for Food and Agriculture , I initiated and saw to the implementation of the Tree Crop Development Authority , which is regulatory body for six tree crops namely cashew , shea , mango , rubber , coconut and palm . The establishment of the authority is intended to harvest the potential of Ghana’s Tree Crop industry and become the driver of Ghana’s economy.
For many years Ghana’s economy has been dependent primarily from the revenue of cocoa exports contributing about 2 billion dollars to the economy. Under the Tree Crop Development Authority, it is estimated that Ghana could earn an additional revenue of 12 billion dollars if the right investments to the sector, not to mention, the millions which would be created for the teaming unemployed youth. Again several other legislations which were initiated under my stewardship as Minister such as the Poultry Development Authority is currently in parliament for consideration.
There is also the Grains Development Authority bill currently going through the initial processes before it laid before parliament .
The Tree Crop Development Authority which has been established under my stewardship is a regulatory structure for six tree crop and they include cashew, shea, mango, coconut rubber and palm. The establishment of the authority is intended to harvest the potential of Ghana’s tree crop industry and become the driver of economy.
I also intimated with the NPP Canada Branch, that if all these impressive ideas could be made possible then I have to avail myself and run for the flagbearer ship of our great party.
However, after numerous interactions and encounters with party members, I am of the view that most of our members are disgruntled with several of complaints coming from the base of the party which mean that ‘the vehicle which will transport us into electoral victory is weak and hence needs proper servicing. This calls for serious introspection on the part of party members in the choice of a candidate. Party members must choose a candidate who understands the party members and resonates well with them. The choice of our candidate must be someone who is able to bring them together and initiate programmes that will bring hope and assurance in order to lift up their morale for the battle ahead.
To this end, I see myself as the right candidate who has all the attributes to restore the party to its former glory, and make it more attractive, united and battle for elections 2024.
MY VISION FOR THE YOUTH
I use the opportunity to address the massive unemployment challenge among the youth. Today it takes a minimum of seven years to get job after completing university. Youth unemployment numbers keeps souring as there seem to be no end in sight. The solution to the youth unemployment is the agricultural sector. Under my leadership various policy interventions will be rolled out for the youth to take advantage off especially at the Tree crop Development Authority Sector. The creation of the Agricultural Management Team whose membership will include cabinet portfolios such as education, lands and natural resources, Local government and Rural Development etc. We will develop special agricultural policies for the youth to address the unemployment issues.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
