A coalition of farmers’ associations has announced a threat to boycott the 2025 National Best Farmers celebration.
The participating associations include the Peasant Farmers Association, the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Crop Life, the Rice Farmers Association, the Maize Farmers Association, the Mechanisation Service Providers, and the Input Supply Members.
Mr. Charles Nyaaba, spokesperson for the coalition, disclosed the decision on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, citing the government’s perceived failure to adequately support local farmers.
He lamented that instead of directing state institutions—such as the School Feeding Programme, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Prisons Service—to procure goods from domestic producers, the government is effectively facilitating the importation of expired and smuggled products.
Mr. Nyaaba argued that because these imported goods are often smuggled and expired, the importers evade paying taxes, allowing them to undercut the prices of goods produced by Ghanaian farmers.
He expressed his frustration on the programme, stating:”We have people who are producing rice, maize, chicken, and other produce. However, instead of the government allowing these state institutions to buy directly from the local farmers, they are rather allocating taxpayers’ money to importers to bring into the country smuggled and expired rice, chicken parts, maize, and other commodities.”
He further noted that the influx of these cheaper, expired imports deprives local farmers of a viable market.
Mr. Nyaaba also stated that despite a promise made by the government on September 23rd to purchase their products, no official from the Buffer Stock has engaged with them. When inquiries were made, they were allegedly informed the procurement process was already concluded.
”We have therefore concluded that they have awarded those importers to go and buy the smuggled and expired products. We have also found out that the government does not take us seriously,” he asserted.
”Therefore, we are going to embark on a series of demonstrations and picket at the Flagstaff House. Until our demands are met, we won’t leave there, because in 2024, we gave President John Dramani—as an opposition leader—the opportunity after he outlined a number of promises he would fulfil if elected. Now we have him the opportunity, and [it seems] his appointees [are not acting on those promises].”
Mr. Nyaaba stressed that the associations will use every legitimate means at their disposal to ensure the government addresses their concerns.
He stated that they possess the capacity to produce 60 percent or more of what Ghanaians consume, provided that the government provides the necessary support.
He concluded by saying that they are not pleading with the government, but are demanding that the correct and supportive policies are implemented.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
