The Private Enterprise Foundation [PEF] has declared its readiness to partner the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in the implementation of the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs Program.

The PEF says it will be particularly interested in collaborating with the Ministry in the addition of value to agricultural products in the country.

Executives of the PEF made the pledge when they interacted with the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and his Minister of Business Development, Mr. Mohammed Awal, in a roundtable discussion last Wednesday.

The aim was to seek more clarity about the government’s flagship Agriculture Policy and to explore avenues of investment opportunities.

The Federation was particularly delighted at the efforts by Government and the Agriculture Ministry to increase production of local crops for both domestic and industrial consumption.

The discussion further touched on the strengthening of regional ties in terms of commodity exchange in order to enhance trading in the West African subregion.

Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto reiterated the commitment of government to partner the private sector in the development of the economy.

He said the Planting for Food and Jobs will be private sector-driven, asserting that the government will comprehensively engage corporate bodies whose activities have direct link to agriculture.

The Minister for Business Development, Mr. Mohammed Awal, also touched on the proposed $20 Million package set aside by the government in the budget to support the growth and development of the private sector.