The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has sounded a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritise accessible credit for Ghanaian farmers, particularly women, to boost agricultural productivity.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Boam highlighted Opportunity International Savings and Loans’ 20-year commitment to supporting farmers but stressed that more needs to be done to address the sector’s funding challenges.
Agriculture is a key employment sector in Ghana, with many Ghanaians relying on farming for their livelihood.
However, women farmers, who play a significant role in the sector, face significant barriers in accessing credit.
The lawmaker asserted that this lack of access to credit hinders their ability to scale up production, improve yields, and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Microfinance institutions, including rural banks, have a critical role to play in supporting rural communities and offering realistic interest rates.
Hon Boam cited examples of rural banks in Pru East supporting pepper farmers but urged more practical support for farmers. He emphasised the need for climate-resilient farming practices and irrigation facilities to enhance year-round farming.
The MP’s call is not just about supporting farmers; it’s about investing in Ghana’s future. Empowering women in farming benefits entire families and communities, contributing to the country’s economic development and poverty reduction. By supporting farmers, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imports, improve food security, and create jobs.
According to him, there was the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address the challenges facing Ghana’s agricultural sector.
He underscored the need for the government agencies, financial institutions, and development partners to work together to provide accessible credit, extension services, and climate-smart technologies to farmers.
He added that Ghana can unlock its agricultural potential by supporting farmers, ensuring food security, empowering women, and boosting economic growth.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana