Dr. Charles Nyaaba, CEO of Akuafo Nketewa Company Limited, has expressed concern that Ghana’s agricultural progress will remain stunted unless greater efforts are made to genuinely support and motivate the farmers who feed the nation.
Speaking at a recent event, Dr. Nyaaba lamented that national farmers’ award schemes often favor politically connected individuals—whom he referred to as “political farmers”—while sidelining the hardworking grassroots farmers who deserve real recognition.
“For years, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has advocated for farmer-centered development, yet little has changed,” he said. “This is why we established Akuafo Nketewa—to directly support farmers with fertilizers, seeds, and market access, particularly in the Upper East Region.”
Dr. Nyaaba explained that, even with limited resources, the company is committed to rewarding the efforts of smallholder farmers by reinvesting a portion of profits made from input sales and crop aggregation back into the farmers themselves.
“We are not depending on government support. Instead, we’re giving back to the farmers from the little we earn. It’s our way of acknowledging their efforts and ensuring they feel valued,” he added.
He disclosed that due to the severe drought in 2024, Akuafo Nketewa could not offer its usual level of support. However, the company plans to launch an annual award scheme, review its operations over the past year, and critically assess how government agricultural policies are impacting farmers.
“Many farmers still don’t understand how government policies directly benefit them. We intend to review these policies and determine how best to align our work with national development goals,” he stated.
Dr. Nyaaba urged the government to introduce practical and empowering rewards for farmers rather than symbolic gestures. He also called for greater transparency and specificity in policy communication.
“We want clarity. If there are going to be fertilizer subsidies, let us know how much—whether 40%, 50%, or 60%—and exactly when it will be implemented. Delayed inputs serve no purpose when the planting season is over,” he stressed.
He also pressed the government to provide detailed information on the recently launched Farmer Service Centre policy, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
“Farmers have the right to understand the policies that affect them. Stakeholders should also be able to track implementation and hold the government accountable when necessary,” he concluded.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Nana Yaa Mensah|Bolgatanga
