Mr Alan Kyerematen, presidential candidate for Movement for Change, has said he would mobilise farmers, to transform the country’s agriculture sector, towards increased productivity and food security.
He, therefore, announced that he would form Ghana United Farmers Association, as a powerful network, to ensure large-scale mechanised farming, if elected president on December 7.
Mr Kyerematen gave the assurance during a courtesy call on the overload of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II, at the Gbewaa Palace, Yendi, in the Northern Region.
He said the initiative was part of his vision to transform Ghana’s five regions of the North: Upper West, Upper East, Savanna, Northern and North East, into the food basket for West Africa.
He noted that “Our farmers have worked tirelessly with limited resources. With the Ghana United Farmers Association, we can give them the tools they need to expand and modernise”.
Mr Kyerematen said that organising farmers into a strong association was “essential for facilitating access to loans, allowing them to own tractors and advanced farming equipment.”
This, he explained, would empower farmers to expand their acreage and significantly increase productivity.
“Mechanisation is the key. No farmer should still be relying on simple tools when the potential of mechanised farming could transform their livelihoods,” Mr Kyerematen emphasized.
He said this approach would ensure Ghana’s food security, while also positioning the country as a leader in agricultural production across the West African sub region, stressing “We have the potential to feed not just ourselves but our neighbours.
The presidential candidate said in addition to loans, farmers would be provided with improved seed varieties and organic fertiliser, to enhance yields and improve soil fertility.
“The use of organic fertilisers, would be a shift from chemical fertilisers, which has adverse effects on soil quality. Our soil has been affected by chemical fertilisers. With organic options, we will see better yields and long-term health for our farmland,” Mr Kyerematen said.
He stated that free seeds would be provided to farmers to further reduce their financial burden and increase productivity, because access to quality seeds was a challenge for many farmers.
Highlighting infrastructure as another key factor in promoting agriculture and development in general, Mr Kyerematen said he would ensure the construction of a railway from Kumasi to the Northern Region, and an international airport in Tamale.
He explained that this would make the transportation of goods easier, opening up avenues for export and trade across West Africa.
“When our farmers produce, they need a way to get their products to the market. With this infrastructure, Northern Ghana will become a business hub,” Mr Kyerematen said.
Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II commended Mr Kyerematen’s proposed plans, because of its potential to transform agriculture in the North.
The overlord expressed confidence that such initiative would help improve the livelihood of farmers and boost the region’s economy.
“Our farmers have the skill, and with the right support, they will thrive. Your vision gives us hope for a prosperous future,” the Ya-Na stated. – GNA
