Peasant farmers urge Mahama to appoint someone with agric background to head the ministry
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the nomination of a competent Minister of Agriculture as he prepares to form his new government.
In a congratulatory message addressed to the President, PFAG emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate with a strong agricultural background and the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain.
According to the Association, they request a minister with practical expertise who would be instrumental in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the sector.
“We humbly request that you nominate a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, has the experience, is affable, youthful, and has the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain,” the statement signed by National President, Wepia Awal Adugwala,read.
PFAG noted that the nomination is critical to ensuring effective engagement with smallholder farmers and addressing the challenges impeding agricultural development.
The Association also called for the audit of Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.
“The Pwalugu multi-purpose dam has the potential to address climate change issues and provide additional 20% to 30% of agricultural GDP when properly implemented. However, the dam has been used as an avenue for extortion by the previous
regime without accountability. Recognizing that an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is part of your agenda to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), 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,” they added.
The Association also urged the President to ensure that “all forms of mining in forests, farmlands, and river bodies are prohibited. The development of a land reclamation plan for all damaged farmlands should be an urgent priority. We are hopeful that under your leadership, the full potential of smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector will be realized. We look forward to a governance style that is effective, truthful, inclusive, and efficient.”
Read also:
‘The challenges ahead are significant, but he has capacity’ – Austin Gamey on Ato Forson’s ability to manage economy
