Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bryan Acheampong, has lauded Ghanaian farmers for their immense contribution to national development as the country celebrates Farmers’ Day.
In a message to mark the occasion, Dr Acheampong emphasised that farmers remain the backbone of Ghana’s food security and economic stability.
He noted, “the hardworking farmers of Ghana, the men and women whose hands feed the nation and sustain its future.” He added that their “dedication, resilience, and commitment to the land remain the true foundation of Ghana’s food security and economy.”
Reflecting on his time in the agricultural sector, Dr Acheampong said his focus was on widening access to vital inputs, enhancing extension services, and strengthening market linkages for smallholder farmers.
He pointed to interventions he spearheaded, including the cancellation of the cocoa syndication arrangement to safeguard the industry’s long-term financial health, the timely distribution of fertilisers, and the rollout of irrigation projects nationwide.
According to him, these measures contributed to the “bumper harvests Ghana is experiencing today,” which he described as “a clear signal to what can be achieved when farmers are supported with the right tools and policies.”
Dr Acheampong also underscored what he termed a historic improvement in the welfare of cocoa farmers, noting that during his tenure, the producer price of cocoa rose sharply. He said the increase “from around GHS800 per bag to GHS3,000 per bag” was a “bold step” that reflected his commitment to ensuring that farmers received fair value for their work.
While acknowledging progress, he admitted that challenges such as post-harvest losses, limited access to finance, and the need for modern technology and climate-smart practices remain. He outlined a vision to build a more resilient, innovative, and profitable agricultural sector.
His proposals include investing in mechanisation and digital tools to boost efficiency, strengthening value chains so that produce is processed locally, expanding irrigation and climate-smart solutions to shield farmers from unpredictable weather, and introducing innovative financing models to provide affordable credit and insurance.
Dr Acheampong said these measures would help move the sector “from subsistence to prosperity,” making farming a pathway to wealth creation and national pride.
He expressed appreciation and pledged to continue standing with farmers both in Parliament and beyond to secure better conditions for their work.
“Ayekoo to all our farmers. Ghana is grateful.”
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