Farmers Celebrate in Tears as Gov’t Fails Them — Minority Speaks Out

As Ghana observes National Farmers’ Day, the Minority in Parliament says the national celebration hides a disturbing truth: the country’s food producers are fighting for survival amidst unbearable neglect.

In a strongly worded statement, Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also Member of Parliament for Efutu constituency in the Central region, warned that Ghana is confronting “one of the gravest agricultural crises in recent history,” and accused government of turning its back on the very people who feed the nation.

“The nation celebrates while farmers suffer” — Minority

The Minority argues that while the country publicly praises farmers, the actual situation on the ground is dire. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that more than a million metric tonnes of paddy rice—valued at GH¢5 billion—remain unsold across the northern regions. According to him, the government’s earlier promise that the National Food Buffer Stock Company would buy all locally produced rice and maize “never materialised,” leaving farmers stranded with mountains of grain they cannot sell.

Despite this abandonment, he commended farmers for persevering, describing their determination as “the backbone of Ghana’s food security.”

“Fishing communities have been crippled” — Afenyo-Markin

The Minority also drew attention to the worsening plight of fishing communities, particularly in Keta, where the prolonged absence of premix fuel has crippled livelihoods. Afenyo-Markin said that entire coastal economies have been paralysed, with canoes unable to go to sea and fish processors left without income.

He argued that the government’s inability to provide premix fuel represents “a fundamental failure to support a vital national sector.”

 Farmers’ Day boycott that signals deep distress

Osahen Afenyo-Markin described the recent boycott of Farmers’ Day celebrations by key farmer associations as a historic moment. He noted that their march through the streets of Tamale—carrying placards questioning the government’s broken promise to buy their grain—reflects the depth of despair felt across farming communities.

He insisted that these actions are not political gestures but “an appeal for survival.”

Smuggled imports overwhelming local markets — Minority

The Minority criticised the unchecked influx of cheap and often expired foreign rice smuggled into Ghana and allegedly repackaged by politically connected importers. Afenyo-Markin argued that this practice has flooded markets with artificially cheap products, making it nearly impossible for local farmers to compete.

He added that similar unregulated imports and illegal practices are undermining the fishing sector as well, creating an uneven playing field that leaves Ghanaian producers at a disadvantage.

According to him, this situation amounts to “a national betrayal of local farmers and fishers.”

Cocoa sector under siege — Afenyo-Markin blames galamsey and price collapse

The Minority’s statement further highlighted the struggles facing cocoa farmers, who are caught between global price volatility and widespread illegal mining. Afenyo-Markin stressed that although cocoa prices surged last year, they have since plunged sharply, leaving farmers vulnerable.

He explained that the devastation caused by galamsey is even more alarming. With COCOBOD estimating that 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms have been destroyed, he warned that entire communities are facing poisoned water, ravaged land, and the collapse of a generation’s livelihood.

Some farmers, he said, have already abandoned cocoa entirely, turning to rice, palm production, or livestock simply to make ends meet.

“Our rivers are dying — and so is our food system” — Minority Leader

The Minority expressed deep concern over worsening environmental conditions, especially the state of Ghana’s rivers. Afenyo-Markin referenced Ghana Water Company’s alert about an impending water crisis, noting that rivers like the Ayensu have recorded turbidity levels exceeding treatment capacity many times over.

He said the destruction of water bodies directly threatens agriculture, fishing, and even national water supply.
According to him, “a country cannot celebrate Farmers’ Day while its rivers—the lifeblood of food production—are being destroyed.”

High costs and low yields — Afenyo-Markin calls for major investment

The Minority pointed out that farmers continue to battle a combination of poor roads, irregular input supply, limited storage infrastructure, and severe financial constraints. Fishers face rising costs of equipment, inconsistent fuel supply, and declining catch levels.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that Ghana still imports between US$3.5 and US$4.5 billion worth of food each year, despite possessing fertile land and hardworking producers. He described this dependency as “unsustainable and unacceptable” for a nation capable of feeding itself.

“Modernise or perish”: Minority outlines a tech-driven future

Afenyo-Markin argued that Ghana must urgently adopt modern, technology-driven agricultural and aquaculture systems. He envisioned an agricultural economy where artificial intelligence helps diagnose crop diseases, where drones are used for precise application of fertilisers and pesticides, and where farmers rely on scientific soil analytics to boost yields.

He further explained that digital platforms would allow farmers and fishers to access real-time market information, forecast prices, and manage logistics more efficiently. The Minority believes that establishing modern mechanisation centres and service hubs equipped with advanced tools is essential to transform both farming and fishing in Ghana.

According to Afenyo-Markin, this technological shift is the only way for Ghana to remain competitive in the global market and secure its food future.

Immediate interventions needed — Minority demands action

The Minority stated that urgent steps are required to stabilise the sector. Afenyo-Markin called on the government to immediately purchase all unsold grain currently sitting idle across the country and to restore a reliable supply of premix fuel to fishing communities—starting with Keta.

He urged decisive action to stop the smuggling and sale of expired food imports and insisted on stronger enforcement against illegal mining and destructive fishing practices.

He also emphasized the need for the government to properly resource the Feed Ghana Programme and invest heavily in irrigation systems, storage facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, landing sites, agro-processing centres, and improved road networks.

Afenyo-Markin described these measures as essential, not optional, if Ghana is to rescue its collapsing food production base.

A final salute to the nation’s food producers

In concluding, the Minority paid tribute to Ghana’s farmers and fishers, acknowledging their resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication.

He affirmed: “We honour you. We see your struggles. Your labour feeds the nation, and your resilience strengthens our democracy.”

But he warned that praise alone will not sustain Ghana’s food producers, stressing that what they now desperately need is genuine leadership and prompt action.

 

 

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