We don’t import seeds; SADA rubbishes media reports

The Savannah Accelerated Development (SADA) has brushed aside media reports that it was importing maize seedlings from South Africa and Brazil, to be distributed to farmers on various SADA projects.

In a press statement signed by its Communications Director, Edem Worlanyo, SADA described the report as complete fabrication, malicious and a sinister attempt by the Ghanaian Times newspaper to tarnish the hard won reputation of SADA officials.

The said article, which was carried in the national daily on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, was captioned: “Tonnes of Maize Seed Locked UP…As SADA imports from Brazil”.

The report gave a graphic account on how SADA had disregarded an agreement it entered with the Seed Producers Association of Ghana (SeedPage) to produce the maize seedlings for SADA’s intended project.

The statement added: “To set the records straight, SADA has not either directly or indirectly engaged any entity or group of persons whatsoever to import maize seeds from South Africa or Brazil on its behalf to be distributed to farmers as alleged by the paper.

"As part of the normal procurement process, SADA advertised for bidders to apply and procure hybrid maize seeds (seeds with high yield potential) for distribution to farmers in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone (NSEZ) in 2012.”

It continued: “Again, SADA at no point in time gave assurances to SeedPAG to purchase produce from the group as alleged by the Upper West Regional Correspondent of the Ghanaian Times. SADA started implementing its agricultural programmes only in late 2011 and not 2010 as the writer seeks to mislead and misinform. Indeed, it is within the authority’s purview to promote and strengthen the private sector under the NSEZ.”

Against that backdrop, the statement urged individuals and groups, who are interested in partnering with SADA to promote the private sector not to hesitate to submit their proposals and suggestions for consideration.

Ghanaian Times newspaper must do well to exercise proper journalistic values by appropriately contacting SADA before going to press on matters like these in future, the statement added.