The Bono regional chapter of the Tax Justice Coalition Ghana is calling on the government to prioritize agricultural transformation in Ghana.
In a statement signed by the Bono Regional Secretary, Simon Asore, the coalition emphasized the need for a strategic agenda that strengthens partnerships with key agricultural stakeholders, both at the national and international levels.
The coalition highlighted the importance of empowering farmers, enhancing soil fertility, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security for all. They urged political parties, not just the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in their manifestos.
According to the coalition, the key to inclusive growth in the agricultural sector lies in developing expertise in research, appropriate technologies for soil health, farm productivity, and market and food system development. They emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and improving the value chain to address the challenges facing smallholder farmers.
The coalition stressed the need for collaboration with strategic partners to build local capacity and ensure sustainable impact, ultimately improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. They also called for interventions to boost the production of higher quality food and promote climate-smart and resilient farming systems among smallholder farmers.
In addition, the coalition expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of many government-initiated agricultural programs, citing a lack of access to resources for the people involved in farming. They urged the government to invest in agro-processing, proper packaging of agricultural products for exports, and training the youth in agri-business to harness the full potential of agriculture for national development.
The Tax Justice Coalition Ghana believes that through collective effort and unwavering commitment, agriculture can be a powerful tool for sustainable development and prosperity in Ghana. They will continue to advocate for government support for the agricultural sector to improve food security and transform agriculture from small-scale operations to large-scale agribusiness.
