Togo: President Gnassingbé talks high cost of living and security, on New World TV
Friday, 28 April 2023 16:35 
(Togo First) - Speaking yesterday on New World TV, a satellite-broadcast Togolese channel, Togo’s President, Faure Gnassingbé called on local farmers to boost their output, thus contributing to the country’s food sufficiency, and helping lower the cost of living. The interview was held on the sidelines of the celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Togo’s independence.
"A good part of the phenomenon (high cost of living ed.) finds its solution on Togolese soil", Gnassingbé said on air. That is why he urged farmers to "produce more to be less dependent on the outside for food products.
Last January, the leader made a similar call in Tsévié, during the second phase of the Forum of Agricultural Farmers of Togo (FoPAT). "We must feed ourselves, live off our agricultural activities, provide for ourselves and our families to better invest in the economic development of the country," he declared at the time.
According to the President, conditions have been set to prevent farming from being seen as a hard job. To this end, several agricultural projects have been developed; and mechanisms to facilitate access to agricultural financing have been introduced as well.
To counter the high cost of living, Faure Gnassingbé also reassured of the continuation of social measures taken by the government to mitigate its impact on the lives of people.
A long fight against terrorism
On the security issue, President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been condemning the terrorist attacks recorded in the north of Togo for nearly two years, reaffirmed his willingness to double the efforts to end the phenomenon.
"The Togolese people must expect a long fight with some drama because it is inevitable when there is war. But I can reassure my compatriots that at the end, there will be victory. We are determined to reduce these armed bands," the leader said.
Gnassingbé considers the terrorist attacks as a form of war "because Togo has always been peaceful".
Esaïe Edoh
