The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFAG) is torn between happiness and shock regarding the government’s decision to ban grain imports.
According to the farmers, while they appreciate the intent to promote local production, they are alarmed by the potential judgement debt that may arise from this policy being champion by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Finance Ministry and Defense ministry.
Unintended Consequences
The farmers explained that “Not all farmers in Ghana benefit from the Planting for Food and Jobs program. Large-scale farmers and Peasant farmers have existing contracts with foreign entities to plant grains, which will be affected by this ban. Moreover, farmers rely on exporting their crops to earn a living, and this policy may deprive them of their livelihood”.
Call for Caution
The farmers urge the Ministry to reconsider this decision and engage with Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted.
The farmers question the government’s priorities, citing the abandoned Pwalugu Dam project, which wasted $12 million.
“We need modern irrigation systems, not reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which is outdated” .
Remembering the President’s Words
We recall the President’s campaign promise: “We are sitting on food, but we are hungry.” Unfortunately, this policy may exacerbate the situation, leaving us “living on an island but unable to water our crops.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
