In a bid to address Ghana’s ongoing reliance on food imports and bolster its agricultural sector, the Old Swesconians Association convened the annual ‘Swedru Conversations’ thought leadership program.
Held under the theme “Feeding Ourselves As A Nation: Perspectives On Revolutionizing Our Agriculture Fortunes,” the event brought together a consortium of industry experts, academics, and former students of Swedru Senior High School (SHS) to deliberate on critical strategies for reshaping the country’s agrarian landscape.
Dr. Roger Kanton, a distinguished agricultural scientist, delivered a compelling presentation underscoring Ghana’s persistent struggle to achieve food self-sufficiency.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across ministries and agencies to harness the nation’s vast arable lands and water resources effectively.
Dr. Kanton pointed out the paradox of importing commodities like onions while Ghana possesses the potential to be a net exporter.
Former Swedru SHS alumni, including Piesie Prof. Kwame Agyei Frimpong and Piesie Dr. Enoch Tham-Agyekum, emphasized the importance of subsidized farm inputs, access to credit facilities, and the integration of smart technology in agricultural practices.
They highlighted the necessity for curriculum redesign in educational institutions to prioritize agricultural education and innovation.
Piesie Prof. Festus Annor-Frimpong raised concerns about the impact of high inflation and escalating costs of farm implements on farmers’ ability to sustain production. He stressed the urgency of addressing these economic challenges to ensure the viability of agricultural endeavors in Ghana.
Global President of the Swesco Alumni Association, Piesie Samuel Attah-Mensah, expressed the association’s commitment to hosting ‘The Swedru Conversations’ annually, marking it as a pivotal event on their calendar.
He announced plans to integrate the forum as a precursor to the institution’s forthcoming 65th Anniversary celebrations.
The ‘Swedru Conversations’ served as a platform for stakeholders to advocate for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s agricultural policies and practices.
With a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and investment in agricultural infrastructure, participants echoed a collective vision of propelling Ghana towards food self-sufficiency and reclaiming its status as an agrarian powerhouse in the region.
As the discourse continues, the Old Swesconians Association remains steadfast in its commitment to driving meaningful change and shaping a sustainable future for Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Source: CITI NEWSROOM
Comments are closed.