Security expert Kwesi Aning has called for stronger support systems for smallholder farmers, questioning the country’s focus on annual recognition for top performing farmers. In contrast, many others continue to struggle with labour shortages and limited agricultural assistance.
Speaking on Joy News following recent attacks on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, Prof. Aning highlighted the growing challenges confronting farmers across Ghana, particularly the difficulty of accessing farm labour.
He noted that although some investors and landowners are willing to expand agricultural production, the absence of readily available labour continues to undermine farming efforts.
“I have friends who have land and want to farm, but you can’t get labour,” Prof. Aning stated, adding that many farm workers now come from neighbouring countries.
He further expressed concern that agriculture is increasingly treated as an unattractive profession, despite its importance to national food security and economic growth.
Criticising what he described as an overemphasis on ceremonial recognition, Prof. Aning argued that greater attention should instead be directed toward supporting smallholder farmers with extension services, assistance in managing crop diseases, and access to essential farm inputs.
“Once a year, we make noise, give a house to the best farmer. But what about the small farmer who needs help?” he asked.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
