The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has called for stronger support for local farmers and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across Africa to enhance food security and preserve the continent’s food heritage.
Speaking during a plenary session of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra, Mr. Opoku urged African governments and policymakers to implement measures that promote healthy, culturally appropriate, and locally driven food production systems.
He highlighted several challenges confronting the agricultural sector, including climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and increasing dependence on imported food products. According to the Minister, these issues threaten the continent’s ability to achieve sustainable food systems and long-term agricultural resilience.
To address these concerns, Mr. Opoku emphasised the need for greater investment in agroecology, local seed systems, and agricultural diversification. He noted that strengthening these areas would improve food security, enhance resilience to environmental challenges, and reduce Africa’s reliance on external food sources.
The conference, held under the theme “Consolidating Parliamentary Consensus: Advancing the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values,” brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss issues relating to family values, governance, sovereignty, and sustainable development.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the opening ceremony, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah addressed delegates, including parliamentary leaders, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and representatives from various African countries.
In his remarks, Mr. Debrah stressed that Africa’s development should be measured not only by economic growth and technological advancement but also by the values its societies uphold and the strength of its institutions.
He underscored the importance of preserving Africa’s cultural identity, strengthening family systems, and ensuring that sovereignty translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Mr. Debrah further highlighted the need to create opportunities for young people, strengthen national economies, and build institutions capable of delivering sustainable and inclusive development.
“The ultimate expression of sovereignty is our ability to solve the challenges facing our citizens and shape our future according to our own aspirations,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting dialogue, fostering parliamentary cooperation, and advancing a vision of an Africa that is grounded in its values, confident in its identity, and capable of determining its own future.
Concluding his address, Mr. Debrah emphasised that the continent’s future must be shaped by Africans themselves, stressing that lasting progress will depend on unity, self-determination, and collective action.
Source: 3news.com
