Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has pledged to relocate Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture to Tamale in the Northern Region if he becomes President.
Speaking on Spear FM in the Savannah Region as part of his campaign tour, the Assin Central businessman and former lawmaker said the move is aimed at transforming the Northern Region into a hub for vegetable production and export.
According to him, the region’s vast agricultural potential can be harnessed to create jobs, grow the economy, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on external financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
“If we can solve the problem of unemployment, then we don’t need people who think they are highly educated and can always run to the IMF or World Bank for loans,” Agyapong said. “Anytime you go to the IMF for a loan, it means you have failed your people.”
He emphasised that massive investment in agriculture and agro-processing is the key to sustainable development and economic self-sufficiency.
“We have vast lands here for agriculture and agro-processing industries. That is what we must focus on as a country,” he explained. “I plan to move the Ministry of Agriculture to Tamale because it is centrally located. From Tamale, we will produce and export vegetables directly to Europe.”
Agyapong added that the Tamale Airport offers a strategic advantage for exporting produce to international markets.
“From Tamale to London is about five hours. By the time the British wake up in the morning, our pineapples, carrots, and vegetables will be on their market shelves,” he said. “This is how we will free ourselves from the IMF and the World Bank.”