“Appoint a youthful and competent Agric Minister” – Peasant Farmers to Mahama

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a youthful and experienced Minister for Food and Agriculture.

The association believes the nominee should have a strong agricultural background and the expertise to address the sector’s challenges effectively.

In a statement congratulating President Mahama following his inauguration, PFAG expressed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and driving agricultural growth.

“We humbly request that you nominate a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, relevant experience, and the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain,” the statement read.

The association is optimistic that under President Mahama’s leadership, smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector will see significant progress.

Additionally, PFAG called on the President to uphold his commitment to the Presidential Pact against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The group emphasized the need for the enforcement of bans on mining activities in forests, farmlands, and river bodies, along with a comprehensive land reclamation plan for damaged lands.

PFAG also highlighted the potential of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam to address climate change and contribute 20% to 30% of agricultural GDP if properly implemented. However, they criticized the previous regime for using the dam project as a means of extortion without accountability.

The association urged President Mahama to prioritize an audit of the dam under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, ensuring that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state. They also requested a budget allocation for the construction of the dam within his first 120 days in office.