Dr. Bryan Acheampong, a flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has paised the Ghanaian farmers for their contribution to national development and outlined plans to strengthen the agricultural sector.
In a statement marking Farmers’ Day, Acheampong described farmers as the “backbone of Ghana’s food security and economy” and commended their resilience and dedication.
Reflecting on his tenure in the agricultural sector, Acheampong highlighted initiatives aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, including improved access to inputs, expansion of extension services, irrigation projects, and the cancellation of the cocoa syndication arrangement to safeguard the sector’s financial sustainability.
“These efforts have contributed to the bumper harvests Ghana is experiencing today,” he said, noting that the producer price for cocoa rose from around GHC800 to GHC3,000 per bag, which he described as a “bold step” to ensure fair compensation for farmers.
Acheampong also acknowledged persistent challenges, including post-harvest losses, limited access to finance, and the need for climate-smart farming practices.
He outlined a vision for a resilient, innovative, and profitable agricultural sector, including investment in mechanisation, digital tools, value chain development, expanded irrigation, climate-smart solutions, and innovative financing models.
He concluded by pledging continued support for farmers in Parliament and beyond, emphasizing that such measures could help transform farming “from subsistence to prosperity.”
