Economic Hardships: Sam Jonah’s recommendations.
Sir Sam Jonah, a business magnate, is pushing for a reform of Ghana’s economy from one that is import-driven and dependent to one in which people eat what they grow.
He claims that is the only way to get the country out of its current economic turmoil.
Sir Sam Jonah offered these ideas at a magnificent durbar commemorating the University of Cape Coast’s 60th anniversary (UCC).
In his capacity as Chancellor of UCC, he delivered the welcome message during the durbar.
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The durbar was held on Thursday, October 20, and was attended by past and present University authorities, including former Vice Chancellors and Chancellors. In addition, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo attended the ceremony as an honorary alumnus and special guest of honour.
Sir Sam Jonah charged the University with spearheading efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the government’s agricultural plans.
Find some of the excerpts from his speech below:
“Our insatiable appetite and high demand for any and everything foreign is central to many of the challenges we are facing as a country,” he observed.
“Personally, I feel that unless and until concrete measures and actions are implemented to have an integrated economy, which has at its core, less dependence on foreign goods, I am afraid our economic challenges would be further exacerbated.
“Without a doubt we should start with what we eat. I think it is unconscionable that most of the tilapia we consume comes from China. Our frozen chicken comes from the Netherlands and the US and, of course, we continue to rely on Burkina Faso for our onions and tomatoes.
“Now, I’m told China is exporting cassava and Gari and Yams. The cost of food is a major part of any nation’s economy and it behoves on all of us to do whatever we can to improve accessibility and affordability.”
Economic Hardships: Sam Jonah’s recommends domestication
“My charge to UCC is that we lead the national effort in ensuring that we use cutting-edge technologies and research to assist with the efficient implementation of government’s agriculture policies.
“Our School of Agriculture must lead the charge in the production of improved varieties of our local foodstuffs, better yielding crops, cheaper poultry and aqcuacultural feeds etc. We are entrusting you with the responsibility of ensuring we grow what we eat and eat what we grow.
“In this regard, I expect you to establish and force strong partnerships, bonds and collaborations with institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research and other relevant local bodies pertinent to the development of our Agricultural sector.
“This urgency and scope of the current global challenges and our own, highlights the importance of cooperation. This is my charge to you and I believe that as a University the success in this endeavour will make us more relevant in the noble fight of our economic emancipation. We owe this to this country.”
