The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Nabdam Constituency, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and promote youth participation in agriculture with the formation and support of 19 Area-Based Farmer Groups in the district.
The MP has provided a total of GH¢50,000 in financial support and ten bags of fertiliser each to the 19 farmer groups as part of measures to enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen food security in the area.
The intervention is designed to improve access to essential farm inputs, enhance farmer services, and restore confidence in agriculture, particularly among the youth who have increasingly drifted into illegal mining activities.
Each of the farmer groups is made up of between 25 and 40 members, comprising men, women, and predominantly young people, all engaged in crop production to support household incomes and the local food system.
Speaking at the official launch of the Area-Based Farmer Groups, Dr. Nawaane urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and assured them of sustained support.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the government’s farmer cooperative agenda and broader agricultural policies aimed at empowering smallholder farmers.
According to him, peasant farmers remain the backbone of the local economy, and strengthening their capacity would yield long-term socio-economic benefits.
“When farmers organise themselves, they gain greater strength, bargaining power, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to food security and local development,” he stated.
Dr. Nawaane further revealed that prior to the launch, he had provided seed capital of nearly GH¢2,000 to each group to enable them to open rural bank accounts, a move aimed at promoting financial discipline and preparing them for future partnerships and funding opportunities.
Encouraging a business-minded approach to farming, the MP stressed that agriculture should be treated as a viable enterprise.
He also commended President John Mahama’s strong commitment to agribusiness development, describing it as a major opportunity for organised farmer groups.
In a show of solidarity, the NDC Nabdam Constituency Chairman, Mr. Tetteh Zure, donated an additional GH¢1,900 to support the groups’ operations.
Leaders of the farmer groups expressed appreciation for the timely support and pledged their commitment to increasing production to enhance food security in the Nabdam District and beyond.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Nabdam |
