These are, the Plant Protection and Regulatory Advisory Council, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana’s Management Board, the Veterinary Council of Ghana and the National Seed Council. These are statutory councils and board required by the agric sector to deliver on its mandate.
These boards are under the chairmanship of Prof. Kwame Afreh-Nuamah, for the Plant Protection Advisory Council, Professor Ebenezer Owusu, the President’s nominee for the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana’s Management Board, Dr William Fenteng Danso, the Veterinary Council of Ghana and Mr Josiah Wobil, for the National Seed Council.
According to the Hon. Minister, members on the Council and Boards had been carefully chosen, because they have the considerable experience and qualities to help resuscitate the sector.
Hon. Dr. Akoto, charged the council and Boards to work hard, adding that the new councils and boards must among other things, be challenged to achieve a significant growth to bring about a complete improvement in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The sector Minister, Dr Akoto said the inauguration of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Advisory Council was crucial particularly recounting Ghana’s huge revenue losses since the European Union (EU) placed a ban on the importation of vegetables from Ghana, for not meeting standards and procedures of EU market. Dr. Akoto therefore expressed faith in the new Council in addressing the issues, and challenges that has beleaguered the sector.
Dr. Akoto noted that the cocoa industry is a field where much is needed to sustain the economy. He said the sector was currently plagued with several challenges, including low yields due to the use of unimproved seed and the current sweeping fall in world market prices, where Ghana was losing about one billion dollars.
The Agric Minister, acknowledged the National Seed Council as one that was critical to the accomplishment of the government’s flagship policy ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’, which was greatly dependent on improved seeds, a current challenge where Ghana had to import seed from Bokina Faso.
Speaking on behalf of the various inaugurated Councils and Boards, the chairmen thanked government for the honour and confidence reposed in them, and vowed their commitment to work hard to meet their mandates.
By: Bagbara Tanko