John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has slammed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for altering the maize measurement standards that were beneficial to farmers.
Addressing a passionate crowd in Ejura Sekyeredumase in the Ashanti Region, Mahama assured local farmers that, if elected, his government would reinstate the NDC’s 2016 regulations, which used size 4 sacks as the standard for measuring maize. This, he argued, ensured that farmers received fair compensation for their hard work.
In his address, Mahama highlighted the issue that arose when the NPP changed the measurement from size 4 to size 5 sacks. He explained that this alteration negatively impacted farmers, who were left at a disadvantage when selling their maize, ultimately diminishing their profits.
“When the NDC was in power in 2016, we recognized that using size 5 sacks for measuring maize in the market was a disservice to the farmers. It was cheating the very people who work hard to grow the crops,” Mahama said.
“That’s why we introduced regulations to ensure that size 4 sacks were used to measure the maize. This was done to protect the farmers and ensure they could earn a decent living from their work.”
Mahama criticized the NPP for reversing these regulations after assuming office, which he claimed contributed to the financial struggles of many maize farmers.
According to Mahama, the change in measurement has led to increased poverty among farmers, leaving them with insufficient earnings from their maize farming activities.
“If the NDC is given the chance to govern again, we will restore the size 4 regulation. This will help farmers regain their profits, reduce poverty, and enable them to live better lives from their hard work,” Mahama vowed.
In addition to his focus on maize farming, Mahama also addressed the NDC’s broader plans for market development.
He recalled that the NDC’s 2016 and 2020 manifestos included a market enhancement project aimed at modernizing key markets across the country. However, he noted that the NPP government’s tenure had hindered the full realization of this initiative.
“We had earmarked several markets for modernization under our previous administration, including the Ejura market, but after we lost power, these plans were stalled,” Mahama said.
Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, Mahama assured the people of Ejura that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto would once again prioritize the enhancement of markets, including a plan to modernize the Ejura market.
He promised that, if elected, the Ejura market would be upgraded to meet contemporary standards and better support local economic activities.
“When the NDC wins the December 7 elections, we will ensure that Ejura has a modernized market that will boost trade and improve the livelihoods of everyone in the area,” Mahama pledged, to cheers from the crowd.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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