Bolgatanga: Dr Charles Nyaaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Akuafo Nketewa Company Limited, has called on the government to depoliticize the agricultural sector and adopt a successful strategic vision to enhance its performance. He advocated for the adoption of models similar to those implemented by Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traor©, which have made Ghana reliant on Burkina Faso for essential vegetables such as tomatoes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Nyaaba made these remarks during the annual pre-season planning and farmers awards ceremony in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. The event, held under the theme ‘Honouring our farmers: Advancing food security and economic growth through active youth entrepreneurship and agribusiness,’ recognized 22 farmers with awards, including knapsack spraying machines and other farm inputs. It brought together farmers from various districts in the region, facilitating knowledge sharing, networking, and planning for the 2024 farming season.
Dr Nyaaba urged the government to prioritize improvements in irrigation infrastructure by renovating the Tono and Vea dams and expediting the completion of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam to mitigate the challenges of unpredictable rainfall in the region. He acknowledged the government’s efforts in stabilizing the economy, currency, and reducing fuel prices but emphasized the need for continued commitment.
The CEO reminded the government to fulfill its promises to farmers, including the reintroduction of subsidies on fertilizer, agrochemicals, machinery, and other inputs. He called for the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy to encompass agriculture and operationalize intended Farmer Service Centres. Additionally, he advocated for the revitalization of the Northern Star Tomato Factory, the cotton industry, and the shea nut industry.
Dr Nyaaba emphasized the necessity of a clear and effective ‘Feed Ghana’ policy that minimizes political interference in farmer-targeted programs and agricultural policies. He also highlighted the importance of reducing production costs through smart subsidies, currency stabilization, and fuel price management. The CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to transforming smallholder farming into a sustainable and business-oriented venture, noting that this mission requires the dedication and partnership of farmers, aggregators, and stakeholders.
Highlighting the company’s achievements, Dr Nyaaba mentioned support provided to over 20,000 rice farmers in the Northern, North East, and Upper East Regions with fertilizer and seeds. The company also offered input support to more than 5,000 soybean farmers and facilitated production support for over 30,000 sorghum farmers across the Northern and Upper East Regions. Dr Nyaaba disclosed the successful supply of over 10,000 metric tonnes of sorghum to Guinness Ghana Brewery Limited.
Alhaji Fuseini Zakaria, Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, identified climate change as a significant challenge to agricultural production in the country. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the climate change menace, highlighting the role of farmer associations such as the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) in combating climate change. Alhaji Zakaria expressed gratitude to the management of Akuafo Nketewa Company Limited for its contributions to the agricultural sector, congratulated the awardees, and encouraged them to continue working towards sector improvement.