Ghana’s Agriculture Sector Congratulates President-Elect John Mahama

Ghana’s agriculture and agribusiness stakeholders have extended warm congratulations to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama on his resounding victory in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

*A New Era for Ghana’s Agriculture*

Representatives from seven key organizations, including the Ghana Coalition of Grains and Legume Farmers, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, and Women In Livestock Value Chain, expressed optimism that Mahama’s administration will prioritize agriculture, driving economic growth and ensuring food security.

*Addressing Pressing Concerns*

The stakeholders highlighted pressing issues, including:

1. *Corruption and Poor Execution*: High levels of corruption and poor execution of agricultural programs and projects, such as Planting for Food and Jobs and One Village, One Dam.
2. *Galamsey’s Impact*: Adverse effects of illegal mining on farmland, forests, and water bodies.
3. *Effective Leadership*: The need for a Ministry of Agriculture leader with integrity, expertise, and a deep understanding of the sector.

*Collaboration and Support*

The stakeholders pledged to collaborate with Mahama’s government to address these challenges, fostering sustainable growth and development in the sector. They also commended Mahama’s prioritization of the Pwalugu Multi-purpose dam project.

*A Brighter Future*

With Mahama’s leadership, Ghana’s agriculture sector is poised for a brighter, more prosperous future.

Read the full congratulatory message below

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT,
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA FROM AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS
STAKEHOLDERS IN GHANA

Dear His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the entire Leadership of NDC,

On behalf of the stakeholders in agriculture and agribusiness across Ghana, we, the actors within
the agriculture and agribusiness value chain, extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your
resounding victory in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. Your victory reflects
the trust Ghanaians have in your ability to alleviate their suffering and restore hope following the
mismanagement and poor implementation of critical poverty alleviation projects and programs.

As dedicated contributors to Ghana’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors, we are optimistic that
your administration will prioritize agriculture, acknowledging its critical role in driving the
national economy and ensuring food security. We stand ready to collaborate with your
government to address the challenges facing farmers and agribusiness operators, fostering
sustainable growth and development in the sector.

However, as responsible citizens, we feel compelled to bring to your attention some pressing
concerns. In recent years, we have observed high levels of corruption and poor execution of
agricultural programs and projects, which have led to disappointing results. Initiatives such as
Planting for Food and Jobs, One Village, One Dan, and efforts to combat the adverse effects of
galamsey (illegal mining) on farmland, forests, and water bodies have fallen short of their
intended objectives. These failures, highlighted in pre-election research
significantly influenced voting behavior, as citizens sought change to address these issues. We
want to give special thanks for prioritization of the Pwalugu Multi-purpose dam as one of your
ambitious projects in your 120 days action plan. As actors in the agricultural value chain, we
shall give all our support to ensure its proper execution.

As you prepare to lead the nation, we respectfully urge you to ensure that agricultural initiatives
under your administration are well-designed, inclusive, and effectively executed, free from
corruption and personal interests. Ghanaian farmers and agribusiness operators deserve policies
and projects that genuinely empower and uplift them. We also hope that the individual appointed
to lead the Ministry of Agriculture will possess integrity, expertise, and a deep understanding of
the sector to serve the collective interest of all Ghanaians.

Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved victory. We look forward to your leadership
and are confident in the potential for a brighter and more prosperous future for Ghana’s
agriculture sector under your administration.

Yours sincerely.

Signed by

1. Ghana Coalition of Grains and Legume Farmers

2. Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana

3. Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana

4. Ghana Association of Agro-inputs and Mechanization Service Providers

5. Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers

6. Farmer Cooperative Network of Ghana

7. Women In Livestock Value Chain