Peasant Farmers Association Applauds Mahama’s Plan to Rebrand Agriculture Ministry, Emphasizes Business Approach

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed strong support for President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s decision to rename the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to the Ministry of Food and Agribusiness. Mr. Wepia Addo Awal Adugwuala, the President of PFAG, hailed the move as a necessary step toward transforming the perception of agriculture in Ghana, emphasizing that it needs to be viewed as a viable business rather than simply a traditional way of life. This endorsement from a key agricultural stakeholder underscores the potential impact of this policy shift on the future of the sector.

Mr. Awal Adugwuala, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi, stated that rebranding the ministry aligns with the association’s vision for a more robust and profitable agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of shifting the paradigm from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness to drive growth and attract investments. He explicitly said, “This is the way to go. We must begin to look at Agriculture as a business and not a way of life,” indicating a strong belief in the potential of a business-oriented approach.

The policy, announced by the President-elect, is designed to make agricultural practices more attractive and lucrative, particularly for Ghana’s youth population. By reframing the Ministry’s focus, it aims to create an environment where young people are encouraged to venture into various aspects of the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, and marketing. Mr. Awal Adugwuala further expressed his congratulations to President-elect Mahama on his victory, linking the renaming of the ministry directly to attracting much-needed resources. He stated that this rebranding would facilitate investment in crucial areas such as irrigation, mechanization, storage, processing, and marketing, thereby boosting the sector’s overall productivity and sustainability.

The PFAG President also highlighted the potential of agro-processing as a means to achieve the NDC government’s 24-Hour Economy policy goals. He posited that value addition through agro-processing would not only enhance the economic value of agricultural products but also generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Beyond the rebranding, Mr. Awal Adugwuala urged the government to prioritize subsidies and make them readily available to farmers, viewing this as a critical factor in reducing production costs. He emphasized that many developed countries have successfully utilized subsidies to support their agricultural sectors, and Ghana should follow suit, particularly for smallholder farmers. He also called for tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to make them more affordable, which he believes will encourage increased food production across the nation. The statements from the PFAG highlight a unified vision between the association and the incoming administration for a more prosperous and efficient agricultural sector, characterized by business-driven practices and governmental support.