Bawumia promises soil revitalization and irrrigation expansion to cut food prices
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) manifesto committees has outlined various strategies that their flagbearer intends to implement to reduce the cost of living in Ghana.
Addressing the press on how Dr. Bawumia plans to reduce the cost of living pertaining to agriculture, Spokesperson on Agriculture for the NPP's 2024 manifesto, Moses Anim emphasized that a key factor in reducing the cost of living is stabilizing and lowering food prices. He pointed out that much of Ghana's agricultural land has become severely degraded, with high acidity levels contributing to soil infertility.
Mr. Anim attributed this degradation to improper fertilizer use, continuous cropping without allowing land to lie fallow, and the loss of biodiversity and essential nutrients. As a result, food production has declined, leading to higher food prices.
To address this, he stated that a Bawumia-led government would promote the use of agricultural lime, particularly locally produced lime, to reduce soil acidity, improve fertility, and boost crop yields. This would, in turn, increase food production and lower unit costs.
Additionally, he highlighted plans for an expanded irrigation program, including the enhancement of selected dams, particularly those under the One Village, One Dam initiative.
He assured that a Bawumia administration would not only tackle post-harvest losses but also enhance value addition in agriculture, ensuring better harvesting and preservation of food.
The Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, William Osei popularly known as Paa Willie has expressed strong reservations about Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent promise to extend the driver’s license renewal period to 8-10 years if elected President. While acknowledging the suggestion as brilliant and potentially beneficial to drivers, he believes it’s a calculated move to win the votes of drivers, given Bawumia’s past track record of indifference to their plight.
In an interview with Happyghana.com, William Osei pointed out that commercial drivers in Ghana are already struggling under the weight of policies instituted by the NPP and Bawumia-led Economic Management Team. He cited the Sanitation and Pollution Levy, as well as other taxes, which have contributed to the continuous increment in fuel prices, making it difficult for drivers to make ends meet.
Furthermore, he recalled Bawumia’s unfulfilled promise in 2020 to provide electric vehicles for drivers, which he believes was a mere political gimmick. He noted that despite the promise, not a single electric vehicle has been procured for drivers, and the government’s tenure is almost ending.
In light of this, Mr William urged drivers to be vigilant and scrutinize Bawumia’s promises, warning against falling for what he sees as a tactical maneuver to secure their votes. He emphasized the need for drivers to demand concrete actions and tangible results, rather than relying on empty promises.
