Prioritise agric in economic recovery plan — Peasant farmers to govt

The President of the Peasant Farmers Association, Weipa Addo Awal, has called on the government to provide urgent support to the agricultural sector, emphasising its crucial role in stabilising the economy. 

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Business ahead of the upcoming budget presentation on March 11, Mr Awal highlighted the challenges facing local farmers and stressed the need for investment to boost food production and security.

“The agricultural sector is highly competitive in terms of global investment, making it a strategic decision by President Mahama to leverage agriculture in revitalising the country’s struggling economy,” he said, following a time when Ghana's agricultural sector faces significant hurdles, including high input costs, climate-related risks and external shocks such as Burkina Faso’s recent ban on cereal exports to Ghana. 

According to him, such developments should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritise food security and reduce reliance on imports.

“Reducing food inflation should be a key priority, and as farmers, we welcome this initiative. However, we urge the government to provide us with the necessary resources to enhance food production, ensuring national food security and stabilising prices,” he said.

He also expressed concern about Ghana's dependency on neighbouring countries for essential food supplies, warning that without immediate policy interventions, the country could face severe food shortages and price hikes.

Vision for agriculture

President John Mahama has repeatedly emphasised the role of agriculture and agribusiness in Ghana’s economic transformation. 

In his recent speeches at the National economic dialogue and the 68th independence anniversary, he outlined a vision aimed at boosting local food production, reducing food inflation and creating employment opportunities through agribusiness development. 

President Mahama also proposed a structured approach to support farmers with affordable inputs, irrigation systems, mechanisation and access to financing. 

His plan aligns with calls from farmer groups such as the Peasant Farmers Association, which insist that a well-supported agricultural sector can drive economic growth.

“We are hopeful about the upcoming budget presentation and expect it to prioritise agriculture and agribusiness, which we believe can transform the economy from hardship to prosperity,” he said.

President Mahama also reiterated his commitment to implementing a 24-hour economy, a policy aimed at increasing productivity across multiple sectors, including agriculture. 

He believes that by adopting modern farming techniques and ensuring continuous access to resources, Ghanaian farmers can significantly increase food production and meet both local and international demands.“

The era of an economy that sleeps at night must end. Ghana needs continuous productivity, more jobs and a stronger export base. The 24-hour economy is not just a policy, it is a necessity,” Mr Awal acknowledged the potential of this policy but emphasised the need for practical support. 

“We, the farmers, are prepared for the 24-hour economy, but our readiness depends on the government providing us with the necessary resources to get started. If that support is in place, we are fully committed,” he said.

Ghana’s agricultural sector

As Ghana prepares for the next budget presentation, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are eager to see concrete policies that will address the industry's pressing challenges. Calls for government intervention include subsidising fertilisers and seeds, improving irrigation infrastructure and providing financial incentives to farmers and agribusinesses.