Leadership of GNAFF addressing the media
The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) says the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration did not actively engage its members to develop the agricultural sector during its tenure.
According to them, the Association did not get the requisite support from the previous NDC government to help improve the wellbeing of its members.
In view of this, the Association has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to actively engage farmers in the association to enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.
They further called for the involvement of members of GNAFF in government’s ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ project.
This was disclosed by the National First Vice President, James Yaw Appau, during the inauguration of newly-appointed members who would steer the affairs of the Association in the 10 regions of the country.
He further stated that the Association had been neglected for quite a long time, hence the call on the new government to liaise with members of the Association.
He said if government fails to collaborate with them effectively, they would embark on a strike action to register their displeasure.
Mr. Appau further stated that they were forced to obtain loans from the banks to fund their activities, which did not enhance productivity due to the neglect by government.
“We strive very hard to grow food crops without any assistance from the government, and at the end of the day record low sales from our farm produce,” he declared.
According to him, as a result of low sales from their farm produce, they had incurred huge debts.
He further stated that “if the government of the day wants to succeed in promoting agriculture to enhance massive productivity, GNAFF must be actively involved, since we are a pivotal backbone to agriculture in the country.”
According to Mr. Appau, GNAFF has absolute confidence in the NPP administration under President Nana Addo to promote agriculture in the country, adding that members of the Association were ready to collaborate with government.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema