The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has called on John Dramani Mahama to collaborate with them to help agriculture thrive in the country.
The Association, in a congratulatory message to the President of Ghana, signed by the Association’s president, Wepia Awal Adugwala, extended their heartfelt congratulations on the emphatic victory and the mandate entrusted to President John Dramani Mahama, by the good people of Ghana.
The Association said that this significant achievement represents the wishes and aspirations of the citizens.
“As farmers, we are optimistic that, together, we can achieve great heights under your leadership,” PFAG stated.
They further reiterated the President’s encouragement and understanding of the agricultural sector.
“We are encouraged by your understanding of the agricultural sector, evident from your engagements with key stakeholders during your campaign, including the PFAG. As a farmer yourself, you are well aware of the systemic challenges facing farmers across the nation, which have contributed to the poor performance of the sector in recent years.”
“We firmly believe that your personal experiences, combined with the honest input from various stakeholders, have significantly contributed to your initiative for ‘agro-economic transformation through a 24-hour economy’ and your social contract with the Ghanaian people, set for implementation within your first 120 days.”
The Association highlighted three key points, which they consider important, and urged the President to pursue as early as possible.
“As you assume the reins of government once more, we are eager to collaborate with you to ensure that smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector thrive by the end of your term. We kindly urge you to consider the following three proposals as you prepare to constitute your team.”
The Association requested that Mahama nominates a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, has experience, is affable, youthful, and has the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain.
Farmers are looking forward to working with a Minister who is effective, approachable, and understands their concerns and challenges.
Again, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has called for the audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.
The Pwalugu multi-purpose dam has the potential to address climate change issues and provide an 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.”
The PFAG, therefore, urges the President to uphold the Presidential pact signed against illegal mining and 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”.
The Association is hopeful that under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, 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,” the President of the Association noted.
