Weta: The Weta Rice Farmers Association of Ghana (WRIFAG) has asserted that the future of economic growth and development is intrinsically tied to agriculture. Mr Sampson Klutsey Gamenyah, Patron of WRIFAG, highlighted the sector's potential to drive economic progress and generate employment opportunities, urging stakeholders, especially the government, to invest in agricultural development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gamenyah's comments were made in response to initiatives by Mr Gabriel Adovoe Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta Region's representative on the Council of State. Mr Kwamigah-Atokple is actively working to enhance the agricultural sector in the region, aiming to transform it into a significant growth and opportunity driver. His recent tour of communities such as Weta, Afife, Avalavi, and Atiteti explored potential agricultural investments that could create jobs and boost the local economy.
During the tour, discussions centered around establishing sugar processing factories, rice milling facilities, and introducing the Kaset Phattana brand combine harvester from Thailand. The expansion of fish farming was also recognized as a vital component in strengthening the region's agricultural capabilities.
Mr Gamenyah expressed appreciation for Mr Kwamigah-Atokple's dedication to agricultural development in Ghana, noting a growing understanding of agriculture's role in sustainable development among African leaders, particularly in Ghana. He also praised regional figures such as Mr James Gunu, Mr John Dumelo, Mr Edem Agbana, and Mr Martin Amenaki for their longstanding commitment to agriculture.
Emphasizing agriculture's importance for Ghana's development, Mr Gamenyah urged authorities to collaborate closely with farmer groups like WRIFAG. He stressed that poor policy formulation and implementation have hindered agricultural progress, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve vibrant economic growth.
Mr Gamenyah recommended precision agriculture, especially in the Ketu and Akatsi areas, leveraging their strengths in rice, cassava, and fish farming. He called for the development of irrigation structures and technology, improved input supply, financial support, market distribution, and a shift in the financial sector's approach to agriculture to combat poverty and hunger.
WRIFAG comprises 312 members, including 232 men and 80 women from diverse professional backgrounds across the Ketu North, Ketu South, Akatsi North, and Akatsi South districts of the Volta Region.
