The Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen, has called on the government to introduce a national initiative that encourages Ghanaians to consume locally grown food.
Her comments follow the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a 10% trade tariff on export goods, a move she believes should push Ghana to reconsider its dependence on foreign products.
Speaking in an interview Jennifer Queen stressed the importance of Ghana adopting the practices of countries that prioritize locally made goods. According to her, such an approach would help reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign imports and strengthen the local economy.
She pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many nations to become self-sufficient by relying on their local resources, a lesson she believes Ghana failed to fully embrace.
Jennifer revealed that during the peak of the pandemic, she volunteered to promote the concept of eating locally grown food. However, her efforts were dismissed by some who accused her of seeking political gain.
She added that both the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war significantly affected Ghana’s economy, yet those who spoke out were often criticized due to their political affiliations.
She further commented on President John Dramani Mahama’s recent meeting with leaders of Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to mediate peace. According to her, Mahama’s actions show he understands the far reaching economic impact the war continues to have on Ghana and other African nations.
Jennifer Queen calls on Ghanaian leaders to prioritize initiatives that promote self-reliance and economic resilience through the consumption of local products.
