The Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey expressed his dissatisfaction with the annual National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ghana, as today ( 8th November, 2024) marks the Celebration of Farmers Day in Ghana, Owusu Nortey expressed concerns about the government’s focus on the ceremonial aspects of the event rather than addressing the pressing challenges faced by farmers.
Owusu Nortey began by extending his commendations to Ghanaian farmers, highlighting the essential role they play in the country.
“If you look at the struggle that farmers go through, to produce food on the table, then you know that it is worth commending them on a day like this.”
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
Despite the recognition given to farmers through the awards ceremony, Owusu Nortey pointed out that the emphasis on the ceremonial aspect of Farmers’ Day has led to the neglect of critical issues impacting farmers’ livelihoods.
He added that the Peasant Farmers Association is not against honoring farmers; however, it believes that the real challenges faced by farmers deserve more government attention and action.
Neglect of Key Issues
Owusu Nortey raised concerns that the government often pays “lip service” to agricultural issues, leaving unresolved several key problems impacting farmers across the country.
He noted that every year, the same problems are highlighted, yet little action is taken.
The issues he emphasized included infrastructure deficiencies, limited financing options, and inadequate support systems.
Owusu Nortey stated that these issues have been discussed year after year, with minimal progress made.
“We seem to focus more on the ceremonial aspect of recognizing farmers whilst we are neglecting the key challenges that are confronting farmers in the country.”
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
One of the most pressing issues he highlighted was the negative impact of illegal mining (locally known as “galamsey“) on agricultural land and water sources.
He expressed disappointment with the government’s ineffective measures against illegal mining, noting that this oversight significantly harms farmers’ resources and livelihood.
“You can’t be celebrating a Farmers’ Day when a critical issue that is concerning farmers about their land, about their waters, you’ve not critically addressed it. That’s something we find a bit hypocritical.”
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
Relief Packages for Farmers Affected by the Dry Spell
He explained that the government had promised to provide inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and cash transfers to assist farmers who lost their crops.
However, despite the promises, he stated that farmers had not received any relief items.
“As I speak to you now, issues about the packages are not forthcoming. There’s no form of transparency in the whole process.’’
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
According to him, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture initially announced that the distribution would begin on 10th October 2024.
However, farmers across various districts report that no relief items have been provided, and in many cases, registration for assistance is still ongoing.
He added that only a small portion of the affected farmers have been registered.
Challenges in Registration and Farm Mapping
Owusu Nortey also highlighted issues with the registration process for farmers, which he described as fragmented and ineffective.
He explained that farmers are required to register on an app, after which extension officers are supposed to map their farms to verify the size and scope of damage.
“Almost all of the districts where our members are, they have few extension officers who are stretched to the limit in terms of the number of farmers, So, there are several farmers who have registered, but they don’t have their farms mapped.”
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
The Executive Director elaborated that even among registered farmers, only about 10-20% have had their farms mapped, meaning that many will be ineligible for relief until this step is completed.
He stated that while the association has limited control over the backend data, feedback from their members suggests that very few farmers have been able to complete the entire registration process.
“As we speak, what we have been told is that the administrative directors are telling them to go and register because registration is still ongoing.’’
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
Agricultural Transformation Agenda: A “Catastrophic Failure”
Owusu Nortey further criticized the government’s new agricultural transformation agenda, launched in March, calling it a “catastrophic failure.”
He argued that the program, which was intended to drive agricultural growth and modernization, has failed to reach its intended beneficiaries.
According to Owusu Nortey, less than 10% of farmers have benefited from the program, which he attributed to poor implementation.
“It has become an avenue for giving speeches and making big statements rather than a means of addressing the real issues facing farmers.’’
Mr. Bismarck Owusu Nortey Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
He concluded by stressing that, despite the significant challenges farmers face, the government has been more focused on the ceremonial aspects of Farmers’ Day rather than the necessary policy changes and investments that would make a lasting impact on farmers’ lives.
Owusu Nortey’s remarks highlight the broader concerns of Ghanaian farmers regarding the government’s approach to agriculture.
While acknowledging the importance of recognizing farmers’ contributions, he believes that practical support and policy implementation should take precedence over ceremonial events.
His message underscores the urgent need for transparency, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to addressing the key issues confronting farmers in Ghana.
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