Chairperson and Leader of the People’s National Party, Janet Asana Nabla, has criticised 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’s 69th Independence Day, the PNP leader said the country must confront what she described as the “bitter reality” behind the celebrations.
“As Ghanaians mark Independence Day, we must confront a bitter reality: our freedom remains incomplete,” she said.
“We celebrate, yet we live under a slavery of dependence, where our own politicians have allowed the country to be trapped in economic bondage,” she added.
According to her, although Ghana produces a variety of staple foods locally, government institutions continue to rely heavily on imports.
She noted that foods such as rice, maize, beans, palm oil and vegetables are grown in the country but are still imported to feed beneficiaries of public programmes.
“Ghana produces rice, maize, beans, palm oil, vegetables, and more, but these staples are still imported to feed Free SHS students, school feeding programs, nurses, teachers, and government training colleges,” she stated.
Ms Nabla argued that the situation leaves many local farmers struggling to sell their produce despite working tirelessly on their farms.
“Meanwhile, our local farmers, working tirelessly on our own land, struggle to sell their harvests,” she added, pointing out that imported products from countries including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, the United States, the Netherlands, China, Niger and Senegal dominate local markets.
She stressed that the country’s Independence Day celebration should go beyond symbolism and focus on practical economic transformation.
“True independence is not measured by songs or ceremonies; it is measured by action,” she said, adding that the nation must ensure citizens consume more locally produced food while supporting farmers.
Ms Nabla further criticised the significance of the national celebration held at Jubilee House, arguing that it loses meaning while foreign products dominate Ghana’s markets.
“The current celebration in Jubilee House is hollow while foreign products flood our markets and local producers are ignored,” she stated.
The PNP leader pledged that a government led by her party would prioritise the consumption of locally produced foods across public institutions.
“A People’s National Party government will change this. We will prioritize Made in Ghana foods in all schools and institutions, promote self-reliance, and restore national pride,” she said.
She noted that only such measures would ensure that Ghana’s Independence Day truly reflects the freedom and dignity it represents.
Source: metrotvonline.com
