The minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriye-Akoto has disclosed that four district officers of the ministry in the Upper East Region are being investigated for failing to account for inputs meant for Planting for Food and Jobs programme last year.
Making the disclosure at a media briefing in Bolgatanga Thursday after he interacted with district directors and senior MOFA officers on progress made so far in the agriculture sector in the region, the minister said the immediate step being taken against the indicted officers is to retrieve money lost as a result of their misconduct while the criminal aspect is being handled by the police and a task force.
Dr. Afriyie-Akoto also disclosed the president will next year launch a cash crop programme dubbed; Planting for Export and Rural Development. This, according to the minister will focus on export crops and is aimed at putting money in the pockets of farmers.
According to him, all District Chief Executives across the country have been given targets to raise seedlings to be distributed next year for the programme.
Dr. Afriyie-Akoto explained that this is yet another aspect of Planting for Food and Jobs programme which was launched by President Akufo-addo in 2017.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1fm|Ghana|William Nlanjerbor JALULAH
