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Mr Philip Gyamfi,Director General, NSA
The Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr. Philip Gyamfi has urged national service personnel to consider agriculture as a viable option during their tenure.
He emphasized that those who choose to engage in farming will receive full support, including necessary resources, and assured additional assistance for those interested in agricultural entrepreneurship beyond their service period.
“I want every national service member to view their assignment as a duty to strengthen Ghana’s economy. Those working with us will be well taken care of, accommodated properly, transported to our farms in air-conditioned buses, and given an opportunity to become agricultural entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Mr. Gyamfi shared this message with the Ghanaian Times in an interview during the launch of the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) by President John Dramani Mahama at Techiman in the Bono East Region.
The government’s Feed Ghana Programme aims to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, enhance food security, and boost agricultural productivity.
Various state institutions, including the NSS, Ghana Prisons Service, senior high schools, the University of Ghana, faith-based organizations, and the general public, are being encouraged to participate in the initiative to reduce Ghana’s food import expenses.
Mr. Gyamfi further revealed that this year, the National Service scheme is targeting the cultivation of 600 acres of maize, 500 acres of rice, and 400 acres of tomatoes in the major planting season, with plans to grow legumes and other vegetables during the minor season. He urged service personnel to join the effort in order to support the president’s goal of reducing food import costs.
He also highlighted ongoing agricultural efforts, noting that 400 women in Yapei are currently engaged in transplanting tomato seedlings on a 400-acre farm, while similar activities are being carried out on a 100-acre tomato farm in Abutamtim, Kumawu, Ashanti.
Mr. Gyamfi assured that his team is committed to advancing the Feed Ghana Programme beyond other government agencies to achieve its goals.
He also appealed to the media to highlight these farming activities, hoping to inspire more young people to explore agricultural ventures for their personal and economic growth.