Mr. Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, National President of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), has called on the government to increase investment in mechanization centres to support smallholder farmers across the country. He highlighted that mechanization would provide these farmers with the technology needed to expand their production, improve their livelihoods, and enhance food security.
Speaking at the Non-State Actors Consultation on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Post-Malabo Agenda in Accra, Mr. Adugwala emphasized the role of mechanisation in reducing post-harvest losses and preserving more produce for the market. The CAADP aims to transform agriculture, create wealth, ensure food security, and promote economic development across Africa.
“Embracing mechanisation can transform Ghana’s agriculture sector and drive economic growth with food security as a top priority,” Mr. Adugwala stated. He urged stakeholders to prioritize sustainable farming, empower farmers, invest in infrastructure, and create access to markets and technology, unlocking the full potential of agriculture and fostering a prosperous future.
The National President called on African countries to allocate resources for the radical transformation of the agriculture sector to create jobs and wealth for the youth. He noted that to achieve CAADP objectives, Ghana must invest in irrigation infrastructure, such as constructing the Pwalugu multipurpose Dam in the North East region, which would provide water for over 15,000 smallholder farmers for year-round farming.
Mr. Adugwala also urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to deploy more national service personnel to assist extension officers in building a comprehensive database for farmers. This is crucial for farmers to benefit from the Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0 programme input credit system, especially as the rainy season has started and farmers await inputs.
The government had promised support for onion farmers to make Ghana self-sufficient in onion production, yet these farmers have not received any assistance, leaving the country reliant on imports from Niger and Nigeria. Mr. Adugwala called attention to the Green Ghana Day initiative, aiming to plant six million trees in forest reserves on June 7, 2024. This project, he said, could conserve the environment and mitigate climate change effects but is threatened by illegal mining (Galamsey) and logging activities. He urged the government to intensify efforts against these illegal activities to protect the lands and forests.
Mr. Charles Ayueboro Adana, a representative from MOFA, acknowledged the Ministry’s collaboration with stakeholders to implement various programmes over the past two decades. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Maputo declaration’s objectives and noted ongoing efforts to improve farmer registration, welcoming feedback to enhance this process.
