General News of Thursday, 8 November 2012

Source: etvghana.com

60% of Ghana’s Cocoa to be processed in Ghana- NPP promise

The New Patriotic Party is promising to process 60 per cent of Ghana’s cocoa locally next six year if they are elected next month in the December Polls.

The party’s presidential candidate for the 2012 elections, Nana Akufo Addo expressed worry that although Ghana produces large quantities of the commodity, it is unable to exploit it to the fullest.

He was speaking at Ho Polytechnic when he delivered a policy statement on transforming agriculture in Ghana.

Activities on campus halted when the NPP candidate arrived.

Students mobbed Nana Akufo Addo praising him for his bold initiative to transform the educational sector.

Regional Chairman of the party Ken Nworso in a welcome address expressed optimism the presidential candidate will deliver a resounding victory in December.

He praised former president John Agyekum Kufuor for improving infrastructure in the school when he was president.

Addressing the gathering of students and traditional authorities, Nana Akufo said under the NPP administration, the phenomenon of hunger month was stopped because of prudent management of the sector.

He said unlike the NDC, the blessing of oil will not distract the NPP from making agriculture more sophisticated and efficient.

He regretted most people take farmers for granted even though there could be serious consequences if farmers don’t apply the right method.

Nana Akufo Addo called for attitudinal change if Ghana will make any headway in the sector.

He said under his watch, the NPP will process 60 percent of Ghana’s cocoa by 2018 if elected.

The NPP candidate said he will set up the agricultural technology fund to farmers in need of finance.

Nana Akufo Addo repeated his desire to bring back the fisheries ministry if elected and tackle the problem poultry farmers go through.