The Rite FM organized Mobilizing Action towards Agriculture Sector Improvement (MAASI) tour of six districts made its stop in the Greater Accra region, specifically Dodowa when the Shai Osudoku district had its turn on Thursday and Friday.
The tour which had already made various stops in the Lower Manya municipality, Upper Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman and Akuapim North districts is an ongoing campaign to improve resource allocation to the Agriculture sector in these districts.
About fifteen participants including the District Coordinating Director, the Planning Officer for the Shai Osudoku district, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Budget Officer, the District Director of Agriculture, as well as assembly members graced the workshop.
The two day workshop unearthed a variety of issues including how more resources could be allocated towards agriculture improvement in the district, how the district can expand its tax revenue, the need for the district to establish a Department of Agriculture, the need for the S.O.D.A to prioritize agriculture as part of its efforts at strengthening its farmers, the need for the district assembly and as well as the need for the Dodowa market to be revamped to its former status among other necessities.
One issue that was of equal importance to all stakeholders was how the Shai Osudoku district can adequately mobilize enough revenue to raise its internally generated funds in order for the district to be self-dependent and be weaned off the district assembly common fund. This was after it emerged that internally generated funds contributed only about 7.8% of the total expenditure of SODA.
Mr. Alimo made the point that it was very important for the citizenry to be included in the budgetary preparations so as to eliminate the issue of suspicion and mistrust between the assembly and the people.
The workshop next moves to the Yilo Krobo District at a later date.
Source: ritefmonline.org
