Andy Okrah with President Mahama at the Great Hall, KNUST in Kumasi
PRESIDENT JOHN Dramani Mahama has advised churches in the country to venture into the agricultural sector to help improve national food production, to help better the lives of the citizenry.
Aside helping to boost food production to feed the populace, he boldly stated that the churches would also make huge profits in return if they heed to his counsel by venturing into agriculture.
According to the President, his National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration would provide the necessary incentives and support for churches to thrive in the agricultural arena.
President Mahama was speaking when he fellowshipped with the clergy in the Ashanti Region at the Great Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Continuing, he stated that “I’m urging churches in our country to venture into agriculture, and my administration will readily provide support for these churches if they take this great initiative.
“It’s my vision to empower churches to become key drivers of agricultural growth to create jobs for our teeming youth, boosting local economies, and contributing to national food security.”
The President stated emphatically that, his government would make sure the agricultural sector, which is an important sector in the country, would be given the needed attention to flourish.
In this regard, he also admonished people and organisations who have strong interest in venturing into the agricultural sector to do so, stressing that his administration will support such efforts.
Significantly, the men of God who graced the religious programme, used the opportunity to pray fervently for God’s blessings on the President, his family and the NDC government.
They also dedicated most of their time to pray for God’s continued blessings on the country and its citizens, so that Ghana under the leadership of President Mahama would be blessed.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Andy Okrah, who was present at the event, has lauded President Mahama for his call on churches to venture into agriculture.
In a Facebook post, he said, “I was particularly inspired by this call to action, and I want to reiterate the commitment of the Tree Crops Development Authority to support any church that heeds President Mahama’s call and ventures into the planting of cashew, coconut, shea, mango, rubber and oil palm.
“TCDA is ready to provide technical expertise, training and access to high-quality seedlings to ensure the success of these initiatives. We will also facilitate market linkages and value addition opportunities to maximise the economic benefits for churches and their communities.”
These tree crops, Andy Okrah added, “have immense potential to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector, so churches, with their vast networks, community trust, and organisational capacity, are uniquely positioned to lead this agricultural revolution.
“Their involvement can inspire their congregations and surrounding communities to embrace tree crop farming as a viable and dignified livelihood. This is a testament to the President’s innovative leadership and commitment to inclusive development.”
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi