GHANA FRAMEWORK FOR INDUSTRIALISATION, REVITALISATION, SUPPORT AND TRANSFORMATION (GHANA FIRST)

an Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) that focuses on modernising agriculture and promoting agri-business to ensure food security, reduce food inflation, boost exports, and create sustainable jobs.

a first of its kind ‘Black Star Experience’ – a flagship Culture, Arts, and Tourism brand aimed at redefining and affirming our Ghanaian identity, and cultural offerings to make Ghana a preferred tourism destination.

comprehensive reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, attract investors, rejuvenate manufacturing and address administrative bureaucracies for a thriving trade and industry sector.

position Agriculture and Agribusiness as the central focus for economic transformation

create a robust and integrated value chain

apply innovative financing to agriculture and agribusiness

formalise and improve access to land and water for agriculture production; and

promote greater participation of young people and women in agriculture

Reintroduce the fertiliser subsidy programme for farmers to boost food production and reduce inflation. In furtherance of these objectives, we will establish Farmer Service Centres, to support farmers with modern agriculture equipment, technologies and inputs in all agricultural districts. We will also create Farm Banks within agriculture zones to ease access to land, and irrigation facilities for agricultural purposes and encourage young people into farming. Technical and financial support will be provided for farmers to promote large-scale farming to increase yield and agro-processing. Additionally, the next NDC Government will undertake the following strategic policies and programmes:

implement a Transformational Grains Development (TGD) Project to increase the local production of maize, rice, soya beans, sorghum and other staples for domestic consumption and processing

improve the production of roots and tubers through investments in research and the adoption of locally manufactured and approved technology

operationalise and expand the NSS and YEA-supported institutional commercial farms

implement a Vegetable Development Project (‘YƐREDUA’) to enhance the production of tomatoes, onions, peppers and other vegetables through the following measures: a. develop green houses and other modern infrastructure for controlled-environment farming; b. designate ready-to-farm spaces for sustainable open field cultivation under irrigation; c. provide technical support for existing urban and peri-urban vegetable farmers; d. promote home, school and community gardening; and

resource research institutions to conduct basic and applied research in plant production, breeding, protection, water harvesting/conservation, climate adaptation/resilience and postharvest handling. 3.1.1.1 Livestock The NDC will:

revamp the collapsing poultry industry by providing incentives for farmers and promoting local consumption under the ‘Buy Ghana’ agenda

roll out a ‘Poultry Farm to Table’ (PFT) Project in collaboration with Poultry Farmers Associations to boost poultry production

roll out a Livestock Development Project (LDP) to boost meat and dairy production especially of cattle, piggery and small ruminants

introduce a National Livestock Day to acknowledge the contribution of the sector to economic growth and promote animal husbandry; and

introduce new livestock breeds and support the establishment of Capacity Building Centres to promote livestock production

revive abandoned ranches, farms and meat factories with particular attention to the Wulugu, Zuarungu, Kpong, Aveyime, and Adidome facilities; and

implement a Broiler Production Cooperatives (BPC) project involving at least 160,000 rural women each producing 100 birds every six (6) months. 3.1.1.2 Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy The next NDC government will revitalise fisheries, the aquaculture sector and promote development of the blue economy in general. We will

collaborate with Landing Beach Committees and leverage technologies to combat corruption in the distribution of the premix fuel

establish a Blue Economy Commission, to sustainably harness and regulate our marine and fresh water resources

enhance aquaculture through improved fish genetics, commercial fingerling production, strengthened quality assurance and disease control

provide resources to support research and development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors

provide technical support including training, financial support, and resources for women and the youth to engage in sustainable aquaculture and fish farming practices under an Aqua/Cage-culture Project (ACP)

ensure effective weather communication, and enforce laws to sustain fish stocks and fishing practices; and

improve education in fishing communities and develop alternative livelihoods for fisher folks to improve their well-being and reduce pressure on fish stocks.

re-introduce the provision of free fertiliser, improved seedlings and agro-inputs to cocoa farmers to increase yield

restore prudent management of COCOBOD to enhance efficiency, and productivity and revive the collapsing cocoa sector.

prioritize investment in cocoa production over wasteful administrative expenditure to improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers

wage a war against the use of cocoa farms for illegal mining (galamsey) and reclaim degraded cocoa lands

ensure timely release of funds for the purchase of cocoa beans to prevent smuggling

promote the production and adoption of organic fertilizer for sustainable cocoa production

improve support to CRIG to produce new resilient and high-yielding cocoa varieties; BUILDING THE COCOA VALUE CHAIN re-introduce the provision initiate a Youth in Cocoa of free fertiliser, improved Farming project through seedlings and agro-inputs a comprehensive support to cocoa farmers system wage a war against the use ensure timely release of funds of cocoa farms for illegal for purchase of cocoa beans mining and reclaim degraded to prevent smuggling; cocoa lands; establish Cocoa Colleges in integrate agroforestry cocoa-growing regions to practices in new cocoa train cocoa farmers and plantings extension officers; support women in cocoa invest in research, and farming and establish an quality standardization to award scheme for female enhance cocoa processing cocoa farmers; and expand market access.

enhance cocoa pest surveillance and farm biosecurity to prevent pest/disease outbreaks and increase yields

initiate a ‘Youth in Cocoa Farming’ project through a comprehensive support system including facilitating partnerships with cocoa farm owners to revive and optimise abandoned cocoa farms

integrate agroforestry practices in new cocoa plantings to enhance soil microbial life and accrue soil organic carbon that is sellable as carbon credits to registered entities

establish Cocoa Colleges in cocoa-growing regions to train cocoa farmers and extension officers

support women in cocoa farming and establish an award scheme for female cocoa farmers; and

invest in research, and quality standardization to enhance cocoa processing and expand market access.

promote Cocoa Farmer Welfare and Support by: a. re-introducing the Cocoa Price Stabilization Fund to protect cocoa farmers; b. ensuring regular cocoa price increments depending in line with world market trends; c. building new and equipping existing health facilities in cocoa-growing districts to provide healthcare; d. assigning a portion of cocoa receipts for health insurance for cocoa farmers; e. operationalising the cocoa farmer pension scheme; f. providing additional livelihood programmes; and g. enhancing child educational support by constructing and equipping basic schools in deprived cocoa-growing areas to eliminate child labor; 3.1.2.2 Cotton We will revive the cotton industry by:

promoting the use of high-yield pest resistant cotton varieties and sustainable farming practices; and

facilitating the production of at least 100,000 tons of cotton in the five northern regions for export. 3.1.2.3 Strategic Tree Crop Development The next NDC Government will bolster Ghana's tree and other strategic crops through these initiatives.

The Tree Crop Development Programme will: a. enhance production capabilities in key commercial crops such as shea, oil palm, cashew, coffee, rubber, coconut, mango, and citrus; b. establish a Cashew Development Board to set and regulate standards for cashew production, pricing, export and promote the growth of the cashew industry; c. implement a Shea Development Project to accelerate research and shea nursery development; d. establish mini shea processing plants and expand the shea cosmetic industry in Ghana; and

launch a new Strategic Crops Programme to boost and process strategic commercial crops such as cashew, cotton, rubber, among others in our agro-industrial zones. 3.1.2.4 Ghana’s Palm Industry (‘RED GOLD’) Ghana consumes 250,000 metric tonnes of palm oil annually. Yet, only 50,000 metric tonnes are produced locally by palm plantations such as Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP), Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP), Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) and other out-grower schemes for palm oil refineries in the country. Ghana imports 200,000 metric tonnes of palm oil annually at a cost USD200 million. This means the country only produces 20% of the national consumption, even though Ghana has a significant potential to produce about one million metric tonnes of palm oil in the medium term.Ghana cannot meet its own domestic demand for palm oil. The next NDC government will aggressively: i. develop the national palm oil industry policy to offer incentives for the growth of palm and develop the entire value chain of the palm oil industry ii. acquire land banks for the development of commercial palm plantations across the country and encourage farmers to actively participate in out-grower palm plantation schemes iii. develop palm oil industries through investments, research, and development Source: https:https://www.avemmedfarms.com

establish a sugar factory in Salaga and revive the Komenda Sugar Factory which has been abandoned by the NPP government

facilitate the establishment of mini rice mills to support smallholder rice farmers

promote the commercial processing and preservation of tomatoes and pepper for lean periods

establish mini processing plants for cassava, cashew, fruit juice, and tomatoes in key producing regions

facilitate the establishment of cocoa processing factories in cocoa-growing areas

facilitate the commercialisation of cocoa bean pulp by training farm groups and youth start-ups to extract, preserve and package bean pulp for the market

promote the commercial development of cocoa-based products by local businesses across cocoa producing areas through capacity building and start-up finance support

facilitate the establishment of cotton-allied industries such as textile production for job creation

facilitate the construction of at least twenty (20) medium-scale animal feed processing plants, particularly for poultry, the agro-industrial zones

improve meat processing standards by establishing ultra-modern abattoirs, and retrofitting poultry farms with new dressing and packaging equipment; and

support the establishment of factories for the brewery of local beer in the Upper East and Upper West Regions.

support private sector partners to develop fully functional warehouses, cold housing, and pack centres integrated with the Ghana Commodity Exchange and NAFCO

support the development of containerised Vegetable Terminals as sale and pick-up points

develop the agriculture market and value chain by modernising markets in key towns such as Sekondi, Mankessim, Techiman, Savelugu, Ejura, Yendi, Adenta, Aflao, Wiawso-Asawinso,Wa, Koforidua, Kasoa, Elubo among others

support fish industry productivity by constructing modern inland fish terminals/markets at Adabraka and Kpando Torkor

establish modern fish harbours, landing sites and market complexes with smoking, processing, and storage facilities in major fishing communities such as Shama, Aflao, Sogakofe, Asesewa, Biriwa, Tema New Town and Dixcove; and

partner with local processors and supply chain partners to develop the domestic cashew industry and improve returns for farmers and local stakeholders.

facilitate the establishment of Agro-Production enclaves with appropriate infrastructure including irrigation and networked warehousing systems as follows: a. map existing land-use to identify strategic zones for medium to large-scale crop and livestock production, and establish Agro-Industrial Zones to support allied industries and services; b. establish ‘Farmers’ Services Centres’ (FaSC) in agro-production zones to provide comprehensive support to farmers, especially, smallholder farmers; c. support Landing Beach Committees to create Fisheries Services Centres (FiSC) to supply necessary equipment and services to fisherfolks; d. refurbish and construct strategic silos and warehouses to support post-harvest activities and reduce losses. e. develop agricultural estates to attract youth and women into agriculture

expand local fertilizer blending by supporting local companies to produce fertilizers and facilitate the establishment of fertilizer manufacturing plants in Ghana

facilitate financing for private sector commercial farm and mariculture through a land and aquatic bank acquisition framework; and

double the cultivable land under irrigation to improve agricultural productivity through enhanced irrigation and water management.

rehabilitate various irrigation projects including Nasia-Nabogo, Pwalugu multi-purpose dam, Accra Plains, and Tamne Phase 2, Kamba, Mprunem, Wli, Kpli, Dekpor-Weta-Afife, Amate, Nasia, Libga, Paga Zaa among others.

promote the establishment of Farmer’s Cooperatives in every district to bring smallholder farmers together and undertake compulsory agriculture census for enhanced farmer traceability

introduce a Government Agriculture Insurance Subsidy (GAIS) Programme to support agricultural development

resource GIRSAL to mitigate lending risks and provide insurance cover

implement a Networked Farmer-Collateral Registry and Insurance Collateral System to allow insured farmers to use their insurance as collateral for credit

encourage agro-companies to list on capital markets to secure resources for growth.

improve the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) to facilitate agriculture production, financing and marketing. 3.1.6.2 Improving Access to Low-Cost Financing for Agriculture Development We will:

refocus the Exim Bank to invest in concessional support annually through cooperatives and community banks for export promotion; and

encourage commercial banks to invest at least 8% of deposits in the sector to facilitate agricultural initiatives.

facilitate collaborations to provide education, training, and mentorship of young people in agricultural ventures

prioritise the use of technology and innovation in areas such as greenhouse farming to optimize resources and promote entrepreneurship

promote the development of user-friendly digital platforms and virtual communities to highlight successful farming stories to support youth participation in agriculture

establish the Youth Agriculture-Estate Programme (YAP) to provide financial support, land, agronomic assistance, and access to mechanized tools for young farmers; and

coordinate school farms initiative in partnership with GES to assign expert agriculture extension services, and technical input for enhanced production.

restructure and strengthen the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA)

restructure and resource institutions responsible for grains warehousing and promote private participation

upgrade the Veterinary Services Directorate to an Authority

upgrade the Pong Tamale Veterinary College into a satellite campus under the UDS to train additional veterinary personnel and lead research in the livestock sector

equip the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Pong-Tamale to increase veterinary vaccine production

develop infrastructure along migration corridors and regulatory framework to minimise herder-farmer conflicts

implement the ECOWAS Protocol on Transhumance through improved bilateral cooperation with sub-regional neighbours; and

establish local multi-stakeholder Arbitration Committees involving the community, MMDAs, Traditional Authorities and Security services to help resolve farmer-herder conflicts in affected areas.

accelerate manufacturing growth for economic development

empower domestic trade to drive national prosperity

promote exports to expand global market reach

structure and formalise the informal economy for sustainable economic development; and

enhance the business environment for seamless operations.

develop an integrated aluminium industry to stimulate industrialization, reduce import dependency and create sustainable jobs

incentivize the expansion of the automotive and vehicle assembly sector to provide jobs and reduce the costs of motor vehicles

promote light industrial manufacturing, especially of apparel and electronic products

support the pharmaceutical industry to enhance local drug production

promote the use of modern technologies to facilitate growth in the furniture and furnishing industry

invest in advanced technologies to support the production of plastics, fertilizers, and synthetic materials

revitalize the following industries to enhance manufacturing, promote exports, and create jobs: a. the textile industry with special focus on Juapong Textiles, ATL (Akosombo) and new textile industries in the Northern Regions; b. the Industrial Hub of Obuasi, started by the NDC; c. the tomato processing industry at Pwalugu, and the Bono Region; d. meat processing industry especially the Zuarungu Meat factory; e. the sugar industry especially the Komenda Sugar Factory; and f. the leather processing enclave in Kumasi with technical and financial support for small-scale local shoemakers; and

incentivize the local production of menstrual hygiene products.

promote the development of strategic trade and industrial enterprises, including e-commerce, to enhance market access and competitiveness in Accra, Tema, Takoradi, Tamale and Kumasi

support the redevelopment of the Abossey Okai, Suame and Cape Coast Artisanal enclaves

establish modern markets in the six newly created regions

promote the consumption of Made-in-Ghana products by: a. reinstating the Brand Ghana Council and the Made-in-Ghana Committee; b. assisting local SMEs to standardise production; c. launching comprehensive awareness campaigns to increase visibility and recognition; and d. mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to patronize Made-in-Ghana goods and services.

facilitate the formation of small business and trade associations to create structured platforms for engagement, and advocacy, and promote the welfare of members and business growth

promote digital payment systems to facilitate easy and secure transactions and promote financial inclusion

facilitate access to vital business support services to empower small-scale entrepreneurs

promote the development and uptake of innovative insurance packages for the informal sector as part of the All-Covered Initiative; and

provide financial and technical support for enterprise development through cooperatives.

establish an Accelerated Export Development Programme chaired by the President to facilitate access to foreign markets for Ghanaian products

leverage the benefits of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for manufacturing and exports

implement tailored export promotion initiatives to assist local manufacturers in producing goods and services aligned with the identified strategic sectors

enhance trade facilitation mechanisms and infrastructure to streamline cross-border trade processes

support SMEs to leverage technology and implement quality assurance systems to enhance their competitiveness

facilitate the development of the packaging industry to support the export sector; and

facilitate the establishment and operationalization of a national shipping line to promote exports and imports. Source: https:https://www.avemmedfarms.com

simplify, digitize and decentralize registration and permits of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

simplify trade procedures and customs processes to minimise administrative burdens, decrease costs, and improve the efficiency of trade operations

review allied shipping costs to curtail excessive charges and reduce the cost of doing business at the port; and

improve trade facilitation, investment promotion, and cross-border cooperation to make Ghana a prominent trade hub in West Africa.

The Pan African Month, Celebrating Heritage, History, and Diaspora Engagement

The Ghana Film, Festival and Awards Month

Ghana Music World

Culinary Month

Architecture, Design, Arts and Crafts

Fashion and Textiles Month

Literacy/Literary Month To this end, we will:

partner with MMDAs to institute creative festivals in honour of Ghanaian legends, for recognition, celebration, and inspiration

introduce well-calendared Black Star Experience to inform planning and participation; and

encourage community-based cultural programming and participatory planning to foster ownership and sustainability of cultural initiatives.

revive the Creative Arts Fund to provide sustainable financial support for start-ups, and for ailing large, medium and small creative enterprises

introduce the concept of "Cultural Villages" to showcase Ghana's diverse culture and boost domestic arts and tourism

support the commercialization of cultural and artistic goods and services by facilitating financial literacy education among industry players

use digitalized experiences including virtual reality versions of museums, galleries, memory spaces, and creative contents, to present Ghanaian culture, heritage recreational experiences, and brands

invest in capacity building, education, training, and sensitization in the culture, arts, and tourism sector to empower young artists to contribute to the cultural and economic development of their communities

modernize existing Centres of National Culture into commercially viable performance spaces; and construct new ones in the new regions

facilitate partnerships with international cultural organizations to promote knowledge exchange, collaboration, and exposure to diverse artistic practices; and

partner with chiefs and other traditional authorities to promote the commercialisation of heritage festivals.

invest in supporting local content creation initiatives to drive job creation

review and strictly enforce broadcasting, digital media and local content provisions to stimulate local artistic productions

facilitate, enforce and enhance the collection and management system for copyrights and royalties in Ghana

partner with stakeholders in Ghana’s film industry to position it among the top three producers in Africa

partner with stakeholders in the Ghana music and dance industry to develop and market their craft

promote a culture of reading by partnering with tech start-ups to develop digital platforms that create content from Ghanaian publishers and writers to generate revenue for local authors

promote writing as a commercially viable art form in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Writers and other stakeholders

support young digital content creators to develop contents that promote Ghanaian culture

partner with the private sector to build an ultra-modern recreation village with auditoriums for films, musical concerts, and other stage performances

partner with digital platform developers to promote Ghanaian cultural centres, heritage products and events.

We will commence plans to establish a film village, with equipment to be hired at low rates for film makers

We will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra and commence plans to build a second National Theatre in Kumasi

We will acquire a special event channel for the Creative Arts on a digital terrestrial television (DTT) and provide a technology that would make the channel " pay per view"; Source: https:https://www.avemmedfarms.com

Introduce tax breaks for Creative Arts artistes who have Tax Identification Numbers(TIN)

Initiate plans for a new city on the banks of the Volta Region with facilities that will generate arts activities and boost tourism

Hold an annual Stakeholder Dialogue with arts culture and the creative industry; and

Provide special rates for performances at the Blackstar Square, Accra International Conference Centre and other state owned venues by artistes.

build a comprehensive real-time online database in collaboration with the GSS, GTA, GIS, Universities, and other stakeholders for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of tourism data

promote domestic tourism through awareness creation and the institutionalization of programmes and activities in partnership with relevant stakeholders

revive the abandoned Marine Drive project and initiate similar projects in other regions

review the utilization of the Tourism Development Levy to ensure an equitable, effective and efficient distribution to all sectors under CAT

review taxes and enhance incentives on hospitality and other services within the CAT sector to make Ghana a competitive tourism destination

partner with stakeholders to diversify tourism offerings to include medical tourism, educational tourism, religious tourism, culinary tourism, agro-tourism, cultural tourism, and sports tourism, among others

create career security for the talent in the industry through legal and financial protections and a mass pension mobilization scheme

refurbish Ghana’s popularised cultural and heritage sites, monuments, and infrastructure, and identify potential attractions for development

develop the creative potential of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to effectively and efficiently participate and pursue careers in CAT industries

facilitate investments in the development of tourist facilities and services to cater for the needs of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs)

promote local cuisines on the menus of hotels and other tourist facilities in Ghana

define a legal and ethical framework with adequate and appropriate provisions towards orientation for Diaspora Africans who wish to relocate to Ghana

promote insurance uptake for creatives by facilitating tailored insurance product; and

collaborate with other stakeholders to promote Ghana's tourism, arts, and cultural goods and services in diplomatic missions abroad to promote Ghanaian culture. KEY EXTRACTS - GHANA FRAMEWORK FOR INDUSTRIALISATION, REVITALISATION, SUPPORT AND TRANSFORMATION (GHANA FIRST) 2 Feed Ghana Programme – to ensure 1 Agriculture for Economic food security by promoting ‘SMART’ Transformation Agenda (AETA) agriculture to boost local food - modernising agriculture and production for consumption. promoting agri-business and create sustainable jobs. establish modern markets in the six newly created 3 enhance production regions capabilities in key commercial crops such as shea, oil palm, cashew, coffee, rubber, coconut, mango, and citrus; support the redevelopment of the Abossey Okai, Suame 4 and Cape Coast Artisanal establish a Cashew enclaves; Development Board to set and regulate standards for cashew production, pricing, export and 6 promote the growth of the cashew industry; incentivize the local ‘Black Star Experience’ – a production of menstrual flagship Culture, Arts, and hygiene products. Tourism experience making Ghana a preferred tourism destination.