Claims by the Paramount Chief of the Tepa Traditional Area, Nana Atwere Ampem III about the abundance of food as a result of the government's flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme appears to have been corroborated by the recent reports that the country has started exporting some food commodities to three neighbouring countries.

The popular Chief came under barrage of criticisms after claiming food had become so abundant in his area that it can be used as a weapon to chase out anyone who comes there to cause trouble.

Nana Atwerewa Ampem II observed during a visit to the area by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, that the government's flagship PFJ programme had benefited hundreds of his subjects.

He therefore encouraged government and the Minister to enhance the programme by completing the construction of warehouses in order to provide storage facilities for the excess produce.

His comments did not go down well with members of the opposition party in particular, who accused him of exaggerating for political recognition.

However, recent positive developments in the agricultural sector appears to have vindicated his pronouncement.

Three days ago, the Daily Graphic Newspaper reported that some farmers in the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country have started exporting plantain to neighbouring countries such as Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin.

The development is a complete reversal of the trend that prevailed three years ago when Ghana was importing plantain from Ivory Coast.

Source: peacefmonline.com