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PNP Says Food Imports Undermine Ghana’s Independence

By: Elliot Sarpong

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The People’s National Party (PNP) has challenged Ghana’s continued reliance on imported food, describing it as a sign that the country’s independence remains incomplete.
In a statement issued to mark Ghana Independence Day, the party said that although Ghanaians celebrate political freedom, the country is still trapped in what it described as “economic dependence,” particularly in the area of food supply.
According to the PNP, Ghana produces several staple crops including rice, maize, beans, palm oil and vegetables. However, it said large quantities of food are still imported to feed beneficiaries of government programmes such as Free SHS Policy, school feeding programmes, as well as students in government training institutions.
The party argued that the situation undermines local farmers who continue to struggle to find reliable markets for their produce despite working on Ghanaian soil.
“Imported goods from countries such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, the United States, the Netherlands, China, Niger and Senegal dominate our markets while our own farmers struggle to sell their harvests,” the statement said.
The PNP noted that true independence should go beyond ceremonies and speeches, stressing that it must be reflected in deliberate policies that promote local production and consumption. Read Also: Ghana Garden Show Launches With Strong Green Business Focus
It said genuine economic freedom would mean ensuring that food consumed in schools and public institutions is sourced locally, thereby supporting farmers and strengthening the national economy.
The party also criticized what it described as the contradiction of celebrating independence while foreign goods continue to dominate Ghana’s markets, calling for stronger commitment to local industries.
The PNP pledged that if given the mandate to govern, it would prioritize the procurement of Made-in-Ghana food products for schools and public institutions and promote policies aimed at strengthening national self-reliance.
According to the party, such measures would help restore national pride and ensure that Independence Day reflects the freedom and dignity the country aspires to achieve. http://dailydemocratnewsonline.com

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Elliot Sarpong
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