The current arrangement is viewed as more effective in promoting transparency and accountability.
Through the Ghana Agricultural and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, is leading a revolutionary effort to digitize Ghana’s agricultural industry.
To ensure transparency and accountability, he has instructed regional and district departments of agriculture to distribute farmer inputs exclusively through GhAAP. This initiative aims to tackle the longstanding issue of middlemen colluding with distributors, which creates artificial shortages and diverts resources. While a voucher system might be a feasible alternative, the current arrangement is viewed as more effective in promoting transparency and accountability. Additionally, smuggling has been eliminated.
A challenge has emerged in the GhAAP onboarding process, as some agricultural extension agents are prioritizing individuals from their political bases, which could compromise the program’s integrity. This highlights the need for vigilance to ensure its success.
Industry watchers see Dr Acheampong’s leadership in digitizing Ghana’s agricultural sector and promoting transparency and accountability as a vital step towards improving efficiency and effectiveness in the sector.
Story: Janet Ayethe
