Ghana’s Agricultural Policies Falter Without Effective Implementation – Appiah-Kubi

Former Asante Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi has sharply criticized Ghana’s agricultural initiatives, including the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs program, arguing that weak execution has undermined their potential to transform the sector.

Speaking on TV3’s The KeyPoints, Appiah-Kubi stressed that well-crafted policies alone cannot yield success without committed implementation and inter-ministerial collaboration.

“Formulating proactive policies isn’t enough. If those tasked with execution lack understanding or dedication, even the best plans fail,” he said, referencing decades of underperformance in agriculture despite repeated government interventions. The former lawmaker, who chaired Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, highlighted systemic gaps in translating strategies into tangible results, such as improved crop yields or farmer incomes.

Appiah-Kubi also underscored the need to integrate agriculture with industrial and trade policies. “Farmers need processing facilities to add value, and reliable markets to sell their goods. Isolated successes mean little without this ecosystem,” he explained, calling for synchronized efforts across ministries to create a cohesive value chain.

On illegal mining, Appiah-Kubi recounted mobilizing communities during his tenure to drive galamsey operators from his constituency. “We pushed them out through collective action, but the fight can’t rely on individuals. Everyone—citizens, leaders—must join forces,” he urged, expressing concern over resurgent illegal mining activities in the region.

He concluded with a plea for humility in governance: “Officials must drop the arrogance of power. Development demands collaboration, not ego.” His remarks resonate amid lingering frustration over agricultural stagnation and environmental degradation, challenges demanding more than political promises to resolve.