Allocate Budget For Warehouse Initiative – Economist Tells Gov’t BUSINESS
The Institute of Chartered Economists Ghana (ICEG) has urged government to raise commitment for the One District One Warehouse initiative in the soon to be read 2019 budget.
According to the Institute, less attention has been given to the initiative since it was launched in October last year.
In an exclusive interview with The Publisher, ahead of the budget review, the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Gideon Amissah said “We think that government has to raise that commitment for this initiative. As far as the budget is concern, much allocation should be given to the Ministry of Special Initiative and Development to embark on the initiative.”
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Attah is expected to present the 2019 budget on behalf of government to Parliament on Thursday.
As part of their expectations, ICEG believes the implementation of the One District One Factory would be fastened if much attention is given to the 1D1W initiative.
“If we implement this particular policy then the policy makers will have no option than to implement the planting for food and jobs because we cannot build the warehouses without having food in there to preserve,” he stressed.
Touching on the macro indicators, Mr. Amissah said the warehousing system would boost the county’s food inflation.
He also urged government to renovate existing warehouses and build new ones in districts who do not have any.
“Another issue that comes up is whether government should build new warehouses or renovate the old ones. For the sake of value for money it would be good if government should renovate the old warehouses and build new ones in districts who do not have any,” he stated.
He further called on government to come clear on the road map to the initiative.
The One District One Warehouse is part of the Akufo-Addo led government flagship programmes.
The purpose of the warehouses is to hold produce and store the anticipated surplus under the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative,
As part of Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), warehouses are expected to be built in all 216 districts nationwide.
