Reduce port duties on farm inputs — Peasant farmers

The President of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Weipa Addo Awal, has called on the incoming government to reduce port duties on farm inputs and equipment to support the agricultural sector. 

He said that the farming tools were intended to serve the nation by boosting food production and hence could not attract high duties.

Therefore, he urged the incoming government to prioritise reducing the heavy duties on these tools as soon as they assume office if they aim to advance agriculture.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Business, he said the high taxes at the ports are a major barrier to improving productivity and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.

Call for lower port duties

Mr Awal highlighted that Ghana imports a staggering 70% of its crop, such as onions, costing the nation approximately US$2 million weekly. 

He further stated that the high cost of port duties discourages farmers and agribusiness stakeholders from bringing in essential farm inputs and equipment.

“We are asking the new government to engage with stakeholders and implement tax waivers or significant reductions on agricultural inputs. This will encourage more investment in local farming and help us reduce our reliance on imports,” he said.

Subsidies for farmers

Mr Awal also called for the reintroduction and expansion of subsidies for farmers.

He explained that many small-scale farmers struggle to afford seeds, fertilisers and other essentials. 

“The cost of inputs keeps rising and it is making farming unsustainable for many. If the government provides subsidies, it will go a long to boosting food production,”

He urged the government to consult closely with the PFAG and other stakeholders to design effective subsidy programmes. 

“We are in the trenches; we know what is happening on the ground. Stakeholder engagement is key to addressing these challenges,” he said.

Illegal mining 

Mr Awal lamented the devastating impact of galamsey activities on agriculture. 

He called for stricter enforcement of laws against illegal mining and a comprehensive plan to restore degraded lands. 

“If the government does not act decisively, galamsey will continue to threaten the agricultural sector and food security; our rivers are being polluted and fertile lands are being destroyed by illegal mining. This is directly affecting our ability to farm and produce enough food,” he said.