The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) extends heartfelt congratulations to all farmers in Ghana on the occasion of the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration. The PFAG commends the dedication of all farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, who tirelessly produce food for consumption, industry, and export despite persistent challenging conditions. Over the years, the agricultural sector has faced numerous difficulties, and successive governments have largely responded with lip service. Farmers continue to struggle with high cost of production, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, insufficient irrigation facilities, inadequate storage, poor roads, and limited market infrastructure. Furthermore, farmers are burdened by high credit costs, expensive inputs, and limited access to mechanization services and poor market with unattractive prices for their produce. Despite these obstacles, Ghanaian farmers persist in feeding the nation.
While recognizing the importance of honoring farmers’ efforts through awards, PFAG believes that the government’s lack of action on critical issues affecting farmers reveals a concerning lack of commitment to addressing their concerns. On this Farmers’ Day, we call on the government to direct resources, attention, and energy toward resolving these pressing issues.
- The Menace of Illegal Mining (Galamsey) and Its Impact on Farming
The government’s slow and ineffective response to the “galamsey” crisis suggests a lack of genuine concern for farmers’ struggles and the wellbeing of Ghanaians in general. Illegal mining has devastated farmlands nationwide, with over two million peasant farmers displaced, and countless farms destroyed due to galamsey activities. Equally, vast forest vegetation and water bodies used for domestic activities, farming, and fishing have been heavily polluted. Despite promises from the government to curb illegal mining, it is clear that the government has prioritized winning votes over protecting the livelihoods of farmers, as we continue to witness widespread destruction of land and pollution in many mining communities. Celebrating Farmers’ Day without addressing the galamsey crisis, which endangers farmers’ livelihoods, is hypocritical.
- Effects of the Dry Spell
Following the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s announcement on October 10 to distribute relief packages to farmers in the eight affected regions, there has been no visible progress. Thousands of farmers remain uncertain about this initiative, as many have yet to receive any form of support. Registration for relief has been fraught with issues, such as shortage of extension personnel to assist with mapping farmlands and other technical difficulties. Farmers continue to suffer the effects of climate change with little government support to provide sustainable solutions. As Ghanaians brace for a potential food shortage, the PFAG stresses the need for the ministry to prioritize collaboration with the association and address the core issues rather than deflecting blame.
- Poor Implementation of Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) 2.0
PFAG is disheartened by the ineffective and flawed rollout of the PFJ 2.0 program, which has had minimal impact on Ghanaian farmers since its launch in March. Like its predecessor, PFJ 2.0 has become more of a government PR gimmick than a meaningful initiative to support farmers and enhance food security. The program has deviated from its initial goals, failing to deliver on its promises, including linking farmers to their preferred service providers, providing mechanization services, storage, extension services, and linking farmers to financial institutions. Additionally, PFJ 2.0 neglects the role of the private sector as outlined in the model jointly developed by stakeholders
and the ministry. The PFJ 2.0 has thus become a vehicle for political manipulation and rent-seeking, rather than genuine support for farmers.
Conclusion
As farmers are celebrated nationwide for their dedication, we urge the government to move beyond grand displays and instead direct resources and energy toward addressing the real challenges that Ghanaian farmers face. Transparency and timely updates are crucial in distributing relief to farmers in affected regions. We call on the government to publicly outline the process and timelines for distribution, while addressing the technical challenges in the registration process.
On the issue of galamsey, PFAG, along with our partners, remain steadfast on our calls for an immediate declaration of state of emergency on mining activities within river bodies, forests, and farmlands. We also urge the government to implement a comprehensive land reclamation and restoration plan for all farmlands destroyed by illegal mining.
To all award winners, we recognize your hard work and congratulate you on this honor. To our fellow farmers, we say a heartfelt “ayekoo” and express our hope for improved conditions to strengthen food security in Ghana.
Long live Ghana, long live Peasant Farmers. Ayekoo to all farmers!
Signed
National President, Wepia Addo A. Adugwala: 0242 265313
Secretary, Isaac Pabia: 0244 483522
Executive Director. Bismark Owusu Nortey: 0243 487643