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The former executive director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has tasked the government with prioritizing food safety and public safety above all else.
Alex Mold, in a statement released on Sunday, said the Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the country’s food availability problems in times of emergency.
According to him, the mantra ‘Cash is king’ was changed since the basic necessities of life became the most sought after product when Covid-19 was prevalent.
“Covid-19 has changed the rules of engagement. The hierarchy of the importance of things has changed and people are now focusing on the basics: food, public safety and making a living. We go back to the basics, we go back to the basics! “
The former head of the GNPC observed that in the towns there is no money or work, therefore, people resort to crime.
This, he argued, could be rectified if the government undertakes projects that alleviate poverty for inland residents.
“It is necessary to implement priority measures to increase the production and transport of food from farms to consumption centers.
“The concept of adding value to food, for example providing silos for long-term storage and processing for food preservation, is not available or known to small farmers. They also don’t tend to use irrigation and other modern agricultural methods and techniques, “he added.
Read the full statement below:
Food safety and public safety must be top government priorities
Covid-19 continues to have an adverse impact on the global landscape.
Assets around the world are depreciating and bankruptcies abound; gold is a new means of storing wealth; Stocks are at an all-time low and almost worthless, except for companies that provide the basics. Tullow that was once trading at over $ 20 is now trading at $ 0.20, yes, 20 cents!
Bond prices have plummeted as the cost of money rises and several nations are seeking help from the IMF and the World Bank.
And here at home, Ghana’s debt is at its highest yet and there are signs that if we could, we would borrow more; especially when Agyapa’s much-heralded and unconventional arrangement heads to the morgue, stillborn.
Over the past few days I have toured the Ashanti region visiting constituencies, towns, villages, branches and homes of the electorate to promote the NDC “People’s Manifesto”.
This visit to the branches in the interior highlighted the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities.
Covid-19 has changed the rules of engagement. The hierarchy of the importance of things has changed and people are now focused on the basics: food, public safety and making a living. We go back to the basics, to the basics!
The mantra “Cash is king” prevails; yes, the cash is returned, and those with cash (liquidity) are in charge and can control the markets.
Cash is king !!
In the villages there is no money because there is no work. Food is scarce, so people are turning to CRIME.
Providing food to the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our societies, public safety, and job creation must be at the top of any government’s agenda.
Fortunately, the rains are coming and the farms are producing in abundance. Agriculture is of the utmost importance and will help alleviate food shortages.
Priority measures need to be implemented to increase food production and transport from farms to consumption centers.
The concept of adding value to food, for example providing silos for long-term storage and processing for food preservation, is not readily available or known to small farmers. They also do not tend to use irrigation and other modern agricultural methods and techniques.
As such, initiatives covering them must be offered at the local level, particularly to small farmers.
This would have the added benefit of job creation, which would then boost consumer spending; thus acting as a multiplier to increase the GDP of various local communities and the nation as a whole.
Signed
Alex mold
(Former Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana and Former Immediate Managing Director of GNPC)
11/10/2020
