Editorial
Congrats farmers, continue to work hard to feed our dear nation!
This year’s National Farmers’ Day is to be celebrated in Cape Coast, the Central Regional capital, to honour farmers who have been working hard over the years to ensure adequate output of food and raw materials for the country. Even though farming comes in various forms and is considered vital in economic development, the youth of today find it unattractive because it is perceived as too difficult and challenging. It is important to note, however, that people who have embraced farming over the years have been able to create wealth for themselves and the country as a whole. Apart from being able to produce food for the people of this country, they are able to sell their produce to earn some income. Farming may be in form of cultivation of crops, fishing and aquaculture, cultivation of crops for
export, as well as agro processing. The theme for this year’s National Farmers’ Day is: “Planting for Food and Jobs – Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana.” The theme is very important for a number of reasons. In the first place, Planting for Food and Jobs as a programme has helped this country tremendously. The country is able to feed itself and even export some of its foodstuffs to neighbouring countries. It is, therefore, necessary to continue and strengthen this programme so that adequate food supply will be
available for the country. Secondly, output in the agricultural sector should not remain in the raw form but processed further to let the output stay for a longer time. This way, other young people can take advantage to process it and add value to it. Here, the value chain can consist of a series of opportunities that can be exploited by people to create more jobs for the youth. One such opportunity is the establishment of storage facilities for the produce in the agricultural sector. Another one will be the provision
of transportation systems to help in conveying of the produce from place to place. It is important to ensure that every effort is made by the government to encourage all those who want to engage in serious farming. This is the only way to encourage the young ones to go into it. Apart from crop farming, we must also show interest in aquaculture so that different kinds of fish can be produced to feed us with balanced diets and make us healthy. As farmers are being encouraged through the various awards presented to them over the years, Ghanaians must see farming as an option that can serve as a means of livelihood to compete with white collar jobs. The Spectator congratulates farmers throughout the country and urge them to continue to work hard to feed our dear nation.
Dear Editor
I wish to use your esteemed platform to welcome Mr Carlos Queiroz, our new coach for our senior national male football team, the Black Stars.
We have read a lot about him and I think looking at his CV, he represents our biggest ‘catch’ in this business.
When his name came up initially, some of us doubted whether we could land him considering our scarce resources.
A coach with experiences with Real Madrid, Manchester United at club sides and national team romance with South Africa and Iran speaks volumes of what he brings to the table.
However, we must not forget that CVs don’t play football. Football is played on the pitch and it is therefore the reason why the noise about his arrival must end and watch out for what he brings to the table.
Currently, we don’t have players we could call world class. Those that comes near that label like Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu are injured.
The only player making waves in Europe at the moment is Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City.
Carlos Queiroz is not coming as a magician. He would need players who are committed and very good enough. At this moment, we should be praying and supporting him to get the best out of our players.
Directly, I want to appeal to him to take a serious look at the players in individually and access their qualities before bringing them on board.
Some of the players are very good but have just failed or struggled to perform in the Black Stars jersey. One of his task must be to break that ice.
We need nothing bust the best for the World Cup. As Ghanaians let’s support Queiroz to get the best out of the players available.
Andy Muller,
Accra
Dear Editor,
The visit of the president, John Dramani Mahama to the construction site of the La General Hospital was one that provided hope for Ghanaians, especially those within the La and Osu areas.
The project was started under the previous administration but grinded to a halt. Several demonstrations were carried out in a bid to get government to speed up work on the facility.
When this new government took over, that cloud of uncertainty persisted owing to how projects started by a particular government were abandoned by incumbents.
But we have seen something different this time. The government of John Dramani Mahama has shown commitment to complete the project.
The crowd that gathered on his inspection of works on the project clearly speaks of how important the project is for them.
It is my prayer they speed up work on the facility and complete it on time for the people to travel shorter distance to access healthcare.
Atswei Rosalind,
La
