The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is calling on the government to provide transparency regarding the GHC 100 million released to the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for the purchase of surplus grains from farmers nationwide.
The funds were intended to stabilise prices and assist farmers in offloading excess produce, including maize and rice. However, several months on, farmers report little evidence of direct purchases by NAFCO.
Executive Director of PFAG, Bismark Owusu Nortey, expressed concern over the lack of visible impact. “I have not had any report from farmers saying they have sold their produce to NAFCO, which is why we are worried about where the GHC 100 million went,” he said.
While acknowledging that some rice labelled with NAFCO branding has been procured, Nortey noted that there is no clear data on the districts or farmers who have benefitted. He urged NAFCO to publish a list of contracted companies, indicating purchase locations and quantities to ensure accountability.
The association also called for improved communication and clear timelines, particularly if another GHC 100 million is to be disbursed. Nortey stressed that farmers should have direct access to aggregators or millers for timely lifting of their grains.
“The association wants to see quick timelines and a clear list of approved aggregators or millers, where farmers can directly engage to sell their produce. This is what we are asking for,” he added.
PFAG believes that greater transparency, accountability, and timely action will protect farmers’ interests and strengthen confidence in government agricultural initiatives.
Source: adomonline.com
