The Minority in Parliament has marked this year’s Farmers’ Day with a sharp critique of the government’s management of the agricultural sector, accusing it of presiding over a GH¢5 billion grain disaster and failing to support farmers and fishers at a critical time.
In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus said Farmers’ Day should not only celebrate Ghana’s food producers but also prompt deep reflection, given the severe hardships confronting the sector. They honoured “the gallant farmers, fisherfolk, processors, and agricultural workers whose resilience continues to feed the nation,” while stressing that their struggles reflect widespread frustration and broken promises.
According to the Minority, this year has seen one of the most devastating collapses in Ghana’s grain market. They noted that over 1 million metric tonnes of paddy rice valued at GH¢5 billion remain unsold in warehouses and barns across the Upper East, North East, and Northern regions. The caucus said the situation worsened after the government failed to honour its September 2025 promise for the National Food Buffer Stock Company to purchase all locally produced rice and maize.
They argued that the resulting lack of market access has stranded farmers, weakened food security, and deepened financial distress. The statement also highlighted the challenges facing the fishing industry, praising “canoe owners, crew members, fishmongers, and processors” who continue to work amid dwindling fish stocks, illegal practices, and logistical failures.
Fishing communities along the coast are facing a worsening crisis, the Minority said, pointing to areas like Keta in the Volta Region, where activities have reportedly been crippled by the chronic non-supply of premix fuel. They described this as a sign of a breakdown in essential state support.
The caucus noted growing despair among farmers, especially after several professional associations symbolically boycotted the national Farmers’ Day celebration over the government’s refusal to purchase their produce. They referenced a protest in Tamale where farmers held placards reading, “Government promised to buy every grain. Where are you?”
The statement also warned that smuggled and expired imports—including rice repackaged by politically connected importers—are undermining local farmers and collapsing domestic markets. Similar concerns were raised about illegal fishing activities that continue to diminish incomes for local fishers.
Turning to cocoa, the Minority said the sector is in deep distress, with farmers grappling with price volatility and land loss due to illegal mining. Citing COCOBOD, they reported that 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms have been destroyed by galamsey, leaving communities with contaminated water, poor yields, and in some cases, abandoned farms.
They further warned that illegal mining is threatening national water security. Pollution has pushed turbidity levels in the Ayensu River to over 30,000 NTU, far above the 2,500 NTU threshold required for safe treatment. Such environmental destruction, they said, harms irrigation, aquatic life, and households.
The Minority added that rising production costs, lack of access to finance, poor road networks, inadequate storage, and expensive fishing gear continue to burden food producers. Meanwhile, Ghana still imports US$3.5–4.5 billion worth of food annually, exposing gaps in local production.
To address these challenges, the caucus called for a major shift toward modern technology. They urged investment in AI diagnostics, drones, precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and digital monitoring systems to boost productivity, reduce losses, and create jobs.
Their urgent recommendations included:
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Immediate purchase of unsold grains
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Restoration of premix fuel supply
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Stronger enforcement against smuggled imports
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Aggressive action against illegal mining and fishing
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Expansion of the Feed Ghana Programme
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Investment in irrigation, cold chains, storage facilities, roads, landing sites, and agro-processing
The statement ended with a heartfelt tribute to Ghana’s farmers and fishers: “We honour you. We celebrate you. We see your struggles. We stand with you. Your courage feeds the nation.”
The Minority pledged continuous advocacy for better protection, stronger investment, and a modernised agricultural and fisheries sector driven by technology and innovation, adding that farmers deserve far more than unfulfilled promises.
