PFAG Launches Platform for Inclusive Agriculture Growth
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has established a Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region to champion inclusive agricultural development.
The MSP brings together representatives from the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly, Civil Society Organisations, agricultural processors, aggregators, traditional authorities, and youth and women’s groups.
According to Dr. Benjamin Sarfo, Programmes Officer of the PFAG, the platform’s formation is in line with the “Strengthening Farmers’ Voices to Promote Accountability and Inclusive Decision-Making in Ghana” project, funded by the Star Ghana Foundation.
The project is being implemented across six districts: Wa Municipality and Daffiema Bussie Issah Districts in the Upper West Region, Nanumba North District in the Northern Region, Nkoranza Municipality in the Bono East Region, Krachi East District in the Oti Region, and Chereponi District in the North East Region.
Dr. Sarfo expressed concern over the numerous challenges facing smallholder farmers, including escalating input costs, limited access to mechanisation and irrigation, inadequate market linkages, and the threats posed by illegal mining and climate change.
“These constraints not only undermine their livelihoods but also compromise national food systems,” he stated. “Despite their central role, smallholder farmers lack the agency and capacity to effectively engage local authorities due to weak farmer group structures, limited knowledge of advocacy, and insufficient recognition.”
The PFAG aims to improve the lives of its members, particularly women and youth, who often remain among the most vulnerable populations. “They are often overlooked by development policies and underserved by institutional support, hence the need to effectively institutionalise this MSP to tackle key barriers affecting farmers in the municipality,” Dr. Sarfo explained.
Ahestofeil Appiah, representing the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly, acknowledged the need for the platform. “While local platforms for engagement exist, resource constraints often prevent assemblies from convening them regularly, especially the committees of agriculture,” he said. He affirmed the assembly’s support for the PFAG’s initiative.
Gifty Fremah Appiah, the Nkoranza South Municipal Director of Agriculture, stressed the importance of sustaining the platform beyond the project’s duration, noting that similar initiatives have faltered in the past due to lack of continued support.
Paul Owusu Achiaw, a Reverend Minister and farmer, has been selected as the lead convener of the MSP, with Mrs. Appiah as co-chair. Both pledged their commitment to ensuring the platform effectively addresses the needs of farmers.
Rose Yahaya, Queen mother of Adoagyir Traditional Area, lauded the platform’s formation and urged all members to actively participate. Dr. Gillian S. Duut, from the National Commission for Civic Education, also encouraged consistent attendance to facilitate the MSP’s growth and address challenges faced by youth and women farmers.
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