The National Secretary of Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), Mr. Lemuel Kwashie Martey, has said it will require the collective participation of all stakeholders to reverse the consideration of agriculture being a highly risky venture in Ghana.
Addressing an audience of national delegates at a congress to elect national officers, in Kumasi, Mr. Martey indicated that collective effort is needed to unravel the current challenges battling the agriculture sector.
According to him, agri-financing remains a major obstacle for farmers in the industry which has impeded the smooth running of the agric businesses.
The GNAFF is among others seeking to therefore partner with government to ensure flexible interest rates and financing scheme for both large scale and small holder farmers in the country.
He said commercial banks over the years have not been fair to smallholder farmers in accessing funding to maximize their yields.
He tasked on the newly elected executives of GNAFF to consider foremost the interest of farmers. More importantly, he noted that the re-organization of GNAFF should help shape the agricultural policies of the country.
“Apparently, it becomes difficult to galvanize ideas and effectively advocate them for shaping of national policies and implementation without a strong voice, hence the need to form a formidable association to see the progress of the agriculture sector,” he added.
