The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), has congratulated all Ghanaian farmers, especially smallholder farmers, for their relentless dedication to sustaining the nation’s food supply.
The association also extended special commendation to potential award winners at both national and district levels, urging them to use the recognition as motivation to increase food production and contribute to Ghana’s food and nutrition security.
In a statement issued on December 4, and signed by their National President, Wepia Adugwala A. Addo, PFAG lauded this year’s Farmers Day theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” describing it as timely and aligned with the government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).
The association acknowledged ongoing government interventions, including the enhanced 2026 agriculture budget allocation, the Feed Ghana programme, the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative, and the vegetable development project.
PFAG noted that while these interventions are commendable and beginning to yield results, long-standing challenges continue to undermine productivity.
The recent glut of staple foods, the association said, exposes deep-seated post-harvest and supply chain limitations that require long-lasting, systemic solutions.The association stressed the need for expanded investment in production infrastructure.
It welcomed the GH¢105 million earmarked for irrigation and GH¢828 million allocated for agricultural roads in the 2026 budget, but described these provisions as inadequate.
PFAG renewed its call for major irrigation infrastructure across all regions, especially underserved areas, alongside agricultural land banks, solar-powered irrigation systems, and improved road networks that link farming communities to markets.
PFAG also emphasized that tackling post-harvest losses and strengthening market linkages must remain a national priority. It acknowledged ongoing efforts to address food gluts through the resourcing of the National Food Buffer Stock Company and directives requiring public schools to procure local food supplies.
However, it urged the government to pass a binding law that expands this directive to institutions such as NADMO and the security services.
The association argued that a transparent, well-funded procurement mechanism backed by accurate data is essential, along with a long-term national food marketing strategy to prevent future gluts.
Reflecting on recent shocks, including COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, prolonged dry spells, and recurring food surpluses, PFAG said these events have revealed the agricultural sector’s vulnerability.
It urged government to establish an Agricultural Development Fund dedicated to minimizing the impact of national and global shocks and safeguarding farmer investments.
On governance, PFAG expressed concern about the limited support for agriculture at the local government level. It noted that the District Assemblies Common Fund currently lacks provisions for agricultural programmes and that local agricultural offices remain under-resourced.
The association called for a comprehensive review of the DACF formula to include agriculture and increase allocations for district-level implementation.
PFAG further raised alarm over the destruction of farmlands through illegal mining and sand winning. The association described the impact of these activities on food production as “damaging and dangerous” to Ghana’s food security agenda.
It urged the government to take firm and decisive action to protect water bodies and farmlands from what it termed “these terrorists,” stressing that farmers’ livelihoods are under severe threat.
PFAG celebrated the indispensable role of Ghana’s farmers and appreciated government efforts to support the sector. The association, however, reiterated that persistent systemic challenges must be confronted head-on.
It called on the government to treat its recommendations with urgency, noting that improved food sufficiency, reduced import bills, and secured investments depend on immediate and coordinated action.
PFAG also appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively to implement the proposed reforms and build a resilient agricultural system worthy of the sacrifices and commitment of Ghanaian farmers.
