An aspirant for the Upper East Regional Chairman position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Patrick Ayaba, has raised concerns over worsening economic conditions facing farmers, warning that the trend could threaten livelihoods and food security.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr Ayaba said rising input costs, particularly fertiliser, coupled with low produce prices are making it difficult for farmers to sustain their operations.
“Today, the average farmer is struggling. The cost of fertiliser is high, yet the price of maize remains low. So how does the farmer reinvest in the next farming season?” he questioned.
He cautioned that continued financial strain could force many farmers to abandon their farms, with serious implications for rural economies and national food production.
“If farmers cannot make returns, they will abandon their farms. That is the real issue affecting livelihoods—not currency discussions,” he said.
Mr Ayaba also highlighted challenges in the cocoa sector, noting that fluctuations in producer prices are disrupting farmers’ planning and investments.
“Farmers plan their entire year based on expected prices. When those prices drop unexpectedly, it disrupts everything—their labour, their investments, and their survival,” he said.
He called on government to implement targeted policies to protect farmers, stabilise produce prices, and ensure sustainable agricultural production.
“Farmers deserve better. There must be deliberate policies to protect them, stabilise prices, and ensure they can sustain their work and livelihoods,” he added.
Touching on the broader economic situation, Mr Ayaba said many Ghanaians remain disappointed due to unmet expectations, stressing that economic realities at the grassroots differ from macroeconomic discussions.
“The reality on the ground is different. This is not about the dollar, ordinary Ghanaians do not trade in dollars; they depend on farming and local markets,” he noted.
His comments add to ongoing national discussions on the need for practical economic interventions to support Ghana’s agricultural sector and improve rural livelihoods.
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