The National Economic Dialogue has come to an end but the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana is filled with a strong sense of optimism that the agribusiness sector is set for a turnaround following the outcomes of the dialogue.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber, Anthony Morrison is very hopeful of a significant transformation for agribusiness in the country.
The CEO of the Chamber who spoke to The High Street Journal following the conclusion of the 2-Day National Economic Dialogue said his high hopes stem from the commitments made by the key stakeholders, government officials, and financial institutions after the outcomes of the dialogue.
In his view, there is a new dawn for food production, the cost of food, and the overall services in the agribusiness sector in the country. He lauded the mass and the quality of the participation shown by both the public and private sector players in addressing the economic challenges of the country.
“This has been a very useful exercise of a national status. The commitment and the loyalty, the input, the class of people that came. From the point of agribusiness and agriculture, we are very hopeful, especially with the outcomes of the various thematic groups that have been rightly stated,” he remarked.
He said his key takeaway from the various stakeholders is the commitment by the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who disclosed ongoing efforts to finance agriculture. This, Anthony Morrison says, is “music to the ears” of the chamber since it will positively impact food production and its related services.
“One particular thing that stood out was the statement from the Bank of Ghana governor, where he’s exploring some possibilities of financing agriculture, which will also unlock both private sector and public sector financing for the agriculture sector. We think that that will go a long way to also advance the president’s vision of reducing the cost of food production and the cost of food to consumers,” he told The High Street Journal.
Commenting on the actual implementation of the resolutions, the CEO dismissed skepticism, drawing his hope from the pledges of the President, the Vice President, and the key sector ministers.
He says their remarks showed commitment to action, adding that the private sector also stands ready to support the government in achieving its vision, especially for agriculture and agribusiness.
“If you look at the commitment here and what has been done, and the president was here yesterday, the vice president was here, and all the ministers that were assembled, I don’t think that there will be a failure here. We’re looking to help them to achieve as a private sector, and to make sure that we work along the line to achieve their national vision,” Anthony Morrison recounted.
This renewed hope after the dialogue comes at a time when challenges in the agricultural value and supply chains are pushing up food inflation. For many months, food inflation has been soaring, threatening the cost and standard of living for the vulnerable and low-income earners.
However, with renewed commitment from the government, central bank, and private sector stakeholders, Anthony Morrison believes this inspires hope, signalling that a major turnaround is fast approaching.
