By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Jan 14, GNA – Mr. Wepia Awal Adugwala, the National President, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), says the Association is eager to collaborate with the current government to ensure that smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector thrives.
A statement signed by the National President and issued to the Ghana News Agency, said, “as farmers we are optimistic that together, we can achieve great heights under this government.”
Mr. Adugwala said the Association was encouraged by the current government’s understanding of the agricultural sector, evident from their engagements with key stakeholders including the PFAG.
“As a farmer yourself, you are actually aware of the systemic challenges facing farmers across the nation, the reason for poor performance of the sector in recent years.”
“Your personal experiences, along with valuable input from stakeholders, have greatly shaped your initiative for ‘agro-economic transformation through a 24-hour economy’ which is set to be implemented within the first 120 days,” he added.
The National President requested that President John Mahama nominates a Minister for the agricultural sector l, who possessed a strong agricultural background, had the experience, was affable, youthful, and had the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain.
He said farmers were looking forward to working with a Minister who was effective, approachable, and understood their concerns and challenges.
Mr. Adugwala said the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam had the potential to address climate change issues and provided additional 20 to 30 per cent of agricultural Gross Domestic Product when properly implemented.
He said, however, the dam had been used as an avenue for extortion by the previous regime without accountability.
He said recognising that an audit of the Dam was part of the current government’s agenda to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the Association urged the government to ensure that any illegal funds were recovered and returned to the state.
“Additionally, we request a budgetary allocation to commence construction of the dam within your first 120 days,” he added.
Mr. Adugwala urged the government to uphold the Presidential pact signed against illegal mining, and ensure that all forms of mining in forests, farmlands, and river bodies were prohibited.
He said 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 realised.”
“We look forward to a governance style that is effective, truthful, inclusive, and efficient,” the National President stressed.
He congratulated the President on behalf of the farmers for being sworn in as the President of the Country.
GNA