In a significant move towards revitalizing Ghana’s agricultural sector, Professor Roger Kanton, a distinguished former Research Scientist at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has called for the creation of a national union of Ghanaian farmers. This proposal, aimed at championing better agricultural policies and support mechanisms, was reported by Graphic Online.
The proposed union, envisioned to be a non-partisan entity encompassing a wide range of stakeholders within the agricultural value chain, seeks to unify efforts to tackle the myriad of challenges plaguing the sector. Professor Kanton, speaking at a forum organized by Swedru Senior High School (SWESCO) alumni, stressed the importance of establishing a robust structure for the union, with representation at national, regional, and district levels, shielded from external influences.
Highlighting agriculture’s pivotal role in the economy—accounting for over 20% of Ghana’s GDP—Professor Kanton underscored the urgency of implementing policies that position farmers at the forefront of economic development. Among his key recommendations is the abolition of import taxes on agricultural machinery and equipment, a measure aimed at facilitating the acquisition of modern tools to enhance productivity.
Further advocating for self-reliance in agricultural inputs, he called for the establishment of a local fertilizer manufacturing company to boost local production and supply essential inputs to farmers at more affordable rates.
Echoing the sentiment for a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector, Professor Kwame Agyei Frimpong, an associate professor in soil fertility at the University of Cape Coast’s Soil Science Department, emphasized the need to perceive and manage agriculture as a viable business. According to a report by Graphic Web, this perspective necessitates targeted investments in the agricultural value chain and the development of infrastructure for storage and distribution to ensure the sustainability and profitability of farming activities.
Additionally, Professor Festus Annor-Frimpong, from the Department of Agriculture Economics and Extension at the College of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, highlighted the critical need to prioritize local food production and consumption. He pointed out the economic inefficiency of importing vast amounts of food commodities, that could be produced locally, thus advocating for a strategic focus on achieving self-sufficiency in essential food items beyond maize, yam, cassava, and plantains.
These recommendations come at a time when Ghana’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads, facing both opportunities for growth and significant challenges. The call for a national farmers union and the push for policy reforms represent a collective effort to ensure a more prosperous future for Ghanaian agriculture, positioning it as a cornerstone of national development.
