Accra: Dr Samuel Joe Acquah, the Head of the Central Laboratory of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has urged the government to pick lessons from Burkina Faso and provide direct support to farmers to boost national food production and security. He emphasized the need for substantial investments in agriculture, asserting that without governmental support, farming would remain unattractive, hindering efforts to enhance food productivity and security.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Acquah highlighted that although Ghana is often seen as a leading country in Africa, its farmers lack essential government support. He remarked that Burkina Faso achieves agricultural success by providing significant assistance to its farmers, a model Ghana has yet to adopt. Dr Acquah stressed that without financial backing, farmers cannot produce effectively, regardless of their technology, experience, or skills.
Dr Acquah expressed concern over the reluctance of major banks to fund farmers, which hampers production capabilities for both local consumption and export. His comments came during a media engagement on the ImPreSSion project, which aims to enhance study programs in Ghana through green solutions, sustainability modules, and digital transformation. This initiative involves three public universities and focuses on energy, water, and agriculture sectors.
Dr Acquah lamented the financial institutions' unwillingness to support farmers due to perceived high risks, urging governmental intervention to secure the nation's food security and export trade returns. He pointed out the need for funds to acquire modern farming equipment and resources, which would empower farmers to increase production.
He also noted the closure of vital processing facilities like the Pwalugu Tomato factory and Akomadan, which previously supported tomato farmers. Without government intervention to refine and add value to perishable crops, farmers face challenges in expanding their production.
Dr Acquah called on the government to create more opportunities within the farming sector, making it appealing to graduates who are currently seeking opportunities abroad. By fostering a more attractive agricultural sector, the government could harness the potential of the young workforce and enhance national food security.
