By Samuel Ofori Boateng
Barniekrom (Ash), July 09, GNA – Coffee farmers at Barniekrom, near Kunsu, in the Ahafo Ano South West district, of the Ashanti region, have called on the government to introduce measures to regulate the coffee sector and create a structured marketing system to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.
The farmers made the call during the official launch of the Barniekrom Coffee Farmers Association, Barniekrom, where they highlighted challenges affecting coffee production, particularly the absence of guaranteed prices and reliable markets for their produce.
Mr Isaac Amofa, Chairman of the Barniekrom Coffee Farmers Association, said coffee farmers, were facing significant difficulties due to the lack of a regulatory framework like that of the cocoa sector.
He explained that, while cocoa farmers benefited from government-led interventions, such as price determination and organised marketing arrangements, coffee farmers largely depended on private buyers, a situation he said affected profitability and discouraged investment in coffee cultivation.
Mr Amofa therefore urged the government to develop policies that would regulate coffee production, establish a stable pricing mechanism, support farmers with improved extension services, and provide dependable markets for coffee beans.
He noted that, such interventions would encourage more people, especially the youth, to venture into coffee farming and contribute to the expansion of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Mr Kingsley Asare, Assembly Member for the Barniekrom electoral area, who also addressed the gathering, encouraged young Ghanaians to embrace agriculture, describing farming as a viable and dignified profession.
He urged the youth to take advantage of opportunities within the agricultural sector rather than focusing solely on formal employment, stressing that, farming remained a major pillar of economic development and job creation.
Mr Asare commended the initiative by the Barniekrom Coffee Farmers Association, adding that organised farmer groups were essential in promoting productivity, accessing support services, and improving the fortunes of farmers.
The farmers expressed optimism that government intervention would help position coffee as an important cash crop and unlock its full potential in Ghana’s agricultural economy.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade