The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the agricultural sector by appointing a youthful, competent, and experienced Minister for Food and Agriculture.

According to the PFAG, the nominee should have a strong agricultural background and the expertise required to address the pressing challenges in the sector.

In a statement congratulating President Mahama on his inauguration, the PFAG emphasized its readiness to collaborate with the government to support smallholder farmers and promote agricultural growth. “We humbly request that you nominate a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, relevant experience, and the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain,” the statement read.

The PFAG believes that a capable leadership team at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture can significantly enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy. Smallholder farmers contribute immensely to food security, rural development, and employment, but they face numerous challenges, including access to credit, limited infrastructure, and the adverse effects of climate change.

Under President Mahama’s leadership, the PFAG is optimistic about achieving transformative progress in the sector. They underscored the importance of appointing someone who can navigate complex issues, foster innovation, and drive the adoption of modern agricultural practices.

Call for Action Against Galamsey

Illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, has been a long-standing menace to Ghana’s agricultural sector. The PFAG called on President Mahama to fulfill his commitment to the Presidential Pact against illegal mining by enforcing bans on mining activities in forests, farmlands, and river bodies.

The Association also stressed the need for a comprehensive land reclamation plan to restore farmlands damaged by illegal mining. “Illegal mining activities have devastated large tracts of agricultural lands, polluted water bodies, and disrupted rural livelihoods. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to reclaim and restore these lands for productive use,” the statement urged.

The PFAG also highlighted the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam as a crucial project with the potential to address climate change challenges and significantly boost agricultural productivity. According to the Association, the dam could contribute an additional 20% to 30% of Ghana’s agricultural GDP if properly implemented.

However, the PFAG alleged that the dam project had been mismanaged under the previous administration, serving as a conduit for extortion and corruption. They commended President Mahama for prioritizing accountability under the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative and urged him to conduct a thorough audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.

“Recognizing that an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is part of your agenda to ensure accountability, we urge you to ensure that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state. Additionally, we request a budgetary allocation to commence construction of the dam within your first 120 days in office.”
PFAG

The PFAG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at transforming the agricultural sector. By working together with stakeholders, the Association believes that President Mahama’s administration can create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers to thrive.

The call for a youthful and competent Agriculture Minister reflects the PFAG’s vision for a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of Ghana’s agricultural sector. Such an appointment, coupled with decisive action on issues like illegal mining and the Pwalugu Dam project, has the potential to unlock Ghana’s agricultural potential and contribute significantly to national development.

The PFAG’s message is clear: the time for action is now, and smallholder farmers stand ready to contribute to Ghana’s agricultural renaissance under capable and visionary leadership.