P. K Sarpong Writes: Trade Ministry must import some food items as Christmas approaches

P. K Sarpong Writes: Trade Ministry must import some food items as Christmas approaches

Government’s well-intentioned response to growing concerns about high food prices is a step in the right direction since families and individuals have had to deal with these exorbitant prices in food items.

To this end, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is carting foodstuffs from the Western North Region to Accra and sell to the people at very lower prices.

This will definitely impact positively on the people as their purchasing powers would be greatly enhanced. It would also put cash into the pockets of the farmers in the Western North Region.

While this is going on, we should also consider a similar strategy to bring in other food items towards the Christmas season.

The Trade Ministry must, as a matter of urgency, consider importing other food items from Europe, North America and Asia, particularly, China as that would reduce the amount of monies families will spend on these other items for the season.

We produce rice and other items locally but we are unable to supply the needs of the entire population, hence the need for imports to complement what we have here.

The Trade Ministry must consider this alternative approach to alleviate the sufferings of the masses as Christmas approaches.

If these markets are allowed to be held hostage by these private importers, they are likely to prioritize their huge profit margins over the comfort of the people.

We must not let the citizenry celebrate Christmas in excruciating economic distress when we can do something about it. Imports may not be the best option many a time, but it has become necessary for same to be done for the season to help the people.

P.K.Sarpong, Whispers from the Corridors of the Thinking Place.

Latest News Opinion