SLeCAD slams Agriculture Ministry
July 2, 2015 By Hawa Amara
Officials of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Agri Business Development (SLeCAD) have slammed their counterparts at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security after the latter failed to send officials to receive keys to the office space vacated by the former.
SLeCAD Executive Secretary, Ahmed Nanoh, on Tuesday accused officials at the Agriculture ministry of vandalism and intimidation, while addressing journalists. He said they were occupying the building, which was in bad shape and they took the onus to rehabilitate it, before the ministry issued a quit notice.
He condemned officials of the ministry for the concern they raised over the colour of the building, adding that they painted the building green not because of political affiliation, but that the colour represents agriculture.
SLeCAD Board Chairman, Donald Ola Smart, said chamber’s sole desire is to help develop agriculture through processing and exporting agricultural products, noting that colour does not determine agricultural development but commitment and patriotism.
He said that even though they have vacated the building, their relationship with the ministry of Agriculture and role as private sector would continue.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Director of Organisation for the Promotion of Agriculture Protection and Environmental (OPAPE), Mohamed Gadgigo, expressed disappointment over the action of the ministry “to send thugs to beat staff of SLeCAD”.
Coordinator of the National Association of Farmers of Sierra Leone, Leslie Thomas, said farmers were aghast with the negative attitude of the ministry, adding that the private sector needs support in order for the country to achieve food security.