Food, like water we drink and air we breathe, is an essential commodity for life. Without it, life could be unbearable. The soaring food crisis in the world due to hike in fuel prices and many other factors is causing unrest in many nations leading to demonstrations. With the precarious nature of the situation, governments all over the world are putting measures in place to mitigate the crisis.
It is for this reason that during this week’s meet-the-press series in Accra, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, assured Ghanaians of government’s persistent efforts to ensure that the rising cost of food that has hit the world does not affect Ghana.
It would be recalled that two weeks ago, the President, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, announced some interventions such as waiver on import duties on some food items, reduction in fuel prices and other mitigations to reduce the impact of the food crisis on the citizenry.
Indeed, many Ghanaians have welcomed these interventions by the President. It is noteworthy that Members of Parliament have reacted urgently to conduct their business to amend the relevant acts of Parliament for the implementation of the President’s policy measures.
Also the National Petroleum Authority, transport operators and all Ghanaians have indeed shown their concerns in adhering to the government to ensure a lasting solution to the crisis since the situation affects all. This is a clear signal that Ghanaians do appreciate the magnitude of problems before the country and have rallied together to grapple with the situation.
There was no doubt that issue of this nature, the media personnel would not relent in asking thorny questions. As usual, when the floor was opened for questions, a journalist wanted to know whether measures had been put in place to prevent smuggling of food stuff. In response, Mr. Asamoah Boateng said it would be criminal for anybody to smuggle food outside the country. He added that security agencies are on guard to apprehend any miscreant.
Another journalist asked whether the intervention by the government would not affect government’s revenue. The Minister responded by saying ‘Yes’ it would affect in some ways but said there was the need to take such a decision to curb the situation.
‘Ministry of Information and National Orientation is dealing with manners but not orientation,’ a journalist said. Mr. Asamoah Boateng reacted that it was not true but said his submission was well taken.
In addition, a journalist was of the view that fishermen were not abiding by the government’s directives either due to failure or refusal to do so. The Minister said ‘We all don’t think alike’ but there was the need for education to let them appreciate the situation on the ground and adhere to the directives, he added.
Another journalist also wanted to know what the Ministry of Information and National Orientation was doing to control the media, particularly the radio stations to guard against some of their negative comments. Mr. Asamoah Boateng responded that in doing so, it would seem like the government is controlling the media. He, however, said the National Media Commission responsible for control and regulatory activities ought to fine a way to solve any anomalies pertaining to the media reportage.
Posted: 04/06/08