The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), has organized a two-day capacity workshop for farmer leaders in Wa and Daffiama Bussie Issah (DBI) districts in the Upper West Region on group dynamics, leadership, budgeting cycle & processes and advocacy skills as part of its project titled “Strengthening Farmers’ Voices to Promote Accountability and Inclusive Decision-Making in Ghana”, with support from Star Ghana Foundation.
The workshops were to empower vulnerable groups especially smallholder farmer, women, youth, and PWDs to enable them to participate effectively in local decision making in Ghana, to understand the relevance of transitioning their farmer-based groups into registered cooperatives, understand budget cycle and hold concerned stakeholders accountable. It is also aimed at strengthening accountability mechanism and ensuring effective implementation of policies that benefit smallholder farmers across the country.
The meeting brought together participants drawn from Daffiama, Issah, Sombo, Bamabaho, Nawdoli, Jirapa, Dorimon, Puoyetanga and Funsi communities within the Wa and DBI districts, and representatives from the regional Departments of Agriculture, regional planning office, department of cooperatives and Upper West Regional Coordinating Council.
Dr. Benjamin Kwadwo Sarfo, Programmes Officer, speaking during the workshop, indicated that the workshop aimed to strengthen the technical capacity of the farmer leaders from the various farmer groups and cooperatives on group governance, cooperative registration, budgeting processes, and participatory decision-making at the local level. He was upbeat about the project’s impact saying, “with the technical capacity of PFAG farmer leaders enhanced at the local level and better -structured groups, members activity will remain relevant and engage effectively with their policy makers even after the closure of the project’.
Mr Salifu Amadu, the Upper West regional focal person stressed that farmer leaders present at the workshop should serve as ambassadors of the member at the grass-root so that the knowledge gained will trickle down through step-down training and meetings.
Madam Fati Koray Pognaa, the Regional Coordinating Director of Upper West Region, applauded the PFAG for the workshop and commended their effort of promoting a life of dignity to the peasant farmers in the Upper West. She revealed that the doors of the RCC- Upper West Region are always opened to the association leaders in the region and they are interested in PFAG role of keeping them on their toes on timely basis.
Mr. Huudu Abu, the Regional Director – Department of Agriculture, Upper West in his address stated that there exists a cordial relationship between PFAG members and his office and going forward this relationship will be strengthened due to the introduction of the Feed Ghana Programme. He promised to ensure PFAG’s presence in at least one of the district assembly’s sub-committees to promote smooth project implementation.
Mr. Emmanuel Dadzie, the Regional Director of Cooperatives took participants through intensive presentation focusing on group dynamics, group management, and cooperative formation. The Municipal planning officer, Mr. Salahudeen Sadat on his part shared insight on district level budget processes, budget cycle and preparation. The 2-day capacity building focused on budget tracking, analysis and advocacy skills. Participants were the assigned group works; and were guided to develop their action plans including key stakeholders to engage to register their concerns where necessary.
In conclusion, the local level policy makers assured the farmer leaders of their commitment in advancing their course and promised to support their initiatives for inclusive development of farmers in the region. Mr. Salifu Amadu thanked the facilitators, invited guests, PFAG national secretariat staff and participants for their presence, attention and active participation.