Mr. Francis Opai Tetteh, the consultant for the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), recently announced plans to introduce a retirement scheme for all farmers in Ghana. Speaking to the media in Bolgatanga after the organization’s rebranding and inauguration, Tetteh emphasized that farmers’ welfare has not received adequate attention despite their crucial role in the nation’s food system.
During the event, which saw representatives from all 15 districts and newly elected executives, Tetteh pointed out that while agricultural banks focus on beauty pageants, support for farmers has been lacking. He argued that it is essential for farmers to establish their own community bank, especially since there is currently no pension scheme available for them. Many farmers, who cultivate crops like cocoa, palm, millet, groundnuts, and corn, face financial insecurity upon reaching retirement age.
“If farmers are indeed feeding this nation, they must not be taken for granted,” he stated. Tetteh highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including unpredictable pricing for their commodities and the lack of standardized market practices.
GNAFF, founded in 1992, has faced challenges over the years. Tetteh’s mandate as a consultant includes reorganizing, rebranding, and repositioning the association to make it relevant in the current agricultural landscape. His goal is to bring together at least 1,827 executive members from across Ghana’s 261 districts.
Mr. Shaibu Mohammed Ayamga, the regional chairman of GNAFF, expressed his commitment to leading with vision, action, and inclusion. He aims to ensure that every farmer, from tomato growers in Tono to fishermen on the White Volta, has a voice in the association. Ayamga outlined several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of farmers. These include ensuring timely and affordable access to inputs and farm machinery, strengthening protections for land and water resources, and providing training in modern agricultural techniques and value addition. He also emphasized the importance of supporting agricultural entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, and fostering collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), NGOs, private partners, and local chiefs.
He urged farmers not to wait for change but to be the change themselves, fostering unity across generations and vocations. “Let us farm with pride, fish with dignity, and build with purpose,” he said, reminding attendees that they are the backbone of Ghana’s food system. As long as the sun rises and the rain falls, their work will never be in vain.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya