Ghana and Israel sign pact in agriculture

Ghana and Israel have signed a memorandum of understanding under which Israel is to assist Ghana to develop its potential in agriculture to enable the West African country to become self-sufficient in food production.

Under the pact, Israeli experts would establish demonstration farms in Ghana where Ghanaians will learn modern methods of farming, said Ghana's Chief Director at the Ministry of Agriculture Kwabena Dapaah on his return from a 17-day trip to Israel.

Ghana and Israel enjoyed close links when Ghana became independent in 1957. Israel helped Ghana to set its Air Force and was also involved in the establishment of many projects.

However, the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in October 1973 between the Arabs and Israelis brought Ghana/Israel relations to a close. The Organisation of African Unity(OAU) passed a resolution declaring Israel the aggressor against Egypt, an OAU member, and called on all member countries to break relations with the Jewish state.

Ghana complied and broke diplomatic relations with Israel, bringing to a halt all aspects of co-operation between the two countries. Relations between the two countries have been restored at ambassadorial level following the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Isreal, paving the way for economic cooperation.

Dr Dapaah said activities at the demonstration farms would include horticulture, hybrid seed development and cost effective irrigation as well as the development of sound marketing strategies.

Under the agreement, the government of Israel will bear the expenses of the experts who will set up the farms.

The Chief Director, one of the highest ranking government officials to visit Israel since the restoration of relations, said "the use of modern technology on the farms is to eliminate the high rate of failure which has characterised our agricultural production over the years".

"Most banks are unwilling to finance agric production due to the high cost involved. This new method is expected to change attitudes towards financing farming as well as reducing their collateral requirements