In a significant step towards realizing the goals of the Feed Ghana Programme, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has distributed five hundred bags of fertilizer to farmers in the Adenta Constituency. This initiative directly addresses critical soil nutrient deficiencies while simultaneously aiming to significantly enhance agricultural output within the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry at the distribution event, Deputy Sector Minister John Setor Dumelo emphasized the government’s commitment to providing equitable support to farmers across all regions, explicitly dispelling the misconception that agricultural focus is solely on areas outside of Greater Accra.
Addressing the assembled farmers at Trassaco, the Deputy Minister enlightened that the Feed Ghana Programme specifically targets small-scale farmers who often face financial constraints in procuring necessary fertilizers. This donation is intended to alleviate the financial burden associated with crop production.
“The Ministry has provided these essential inputs to support your work,” Dumelo stated. “We often hear that farm inputs are primarily directed to farmers in other regions, overlooking the vital contributions of farmers here in Accra. Therefore, we are providing these fertilizer bags to bolster your vegetable production, and we assure you that we will return to purchase your crops at fair market prices.”
Responding to concerns raised by the farmers, the Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to reclaiming unlawfully occupied state lands through the ongoing efforts of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee. He assured the farmers that suitable portions of these recovered lands would be allocated for cultivation.
Furthermore, John Dumelo pledged to prioritize the provision of adequate farm implements, particularly tractors, to ease the labor-intensive work faced by the predominantly older farming population in the Adenta Constituency. He also announced plans to advocate for the establishment of a Farm Service Sector to serve the Adenta, Ayawaso West, and Tema West constituencies, aligning with the government’s broader strategy of creating such sectors nationwide.
“The issue of land availability for cultivation is a matter of significant importance to this government,” the Deputy Minister declared. “With a renewed commitment, we pledge to address the land challenges you face and ensure the consistent provision of necessary farm inputs. This government is dedicated to meeting your needs.”
Meanwhile, Yidana Salifu Illiasu Awal, Chairman of the Aviation Farmers Association, expressed gratitude for the fertilizer donation but highlighted the critical need for agricultural modernization.
“Farming must become an attractive profession, especially for the youth,” Mr. Awal emphasized. “The current reliance on outdated 19th-century farming methods using hoes and cutlasses deters young people from entering the agricultural sector. We earnestly appeal to the Minister to assist us in acquiring modern equipment for our farms.”
However, Salifu Awal conveyed the association’s appreciation to the Ministry and expressed optimism that their broader concerns would be addressed.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
