PFAG warns against political interference in Feed Ghana Initiative

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is urging the government to avoid political interference in the Feed Ghana Initiative. They believe that past political involvement harmed the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Programme, especially in its second phase. PFAG fears a repeat of this could threaten the new initiative's success.

The Feed Ghana Programme was launched on April 12. It is a key project under the government's Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda. The program aims to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and boost agro-industrial development across Ghana.

Unlike the PFJ Programme, which used input subsidies, Feed Ghana will adopt a market-oriented approach. This initiative promises a more integrated system for farming.

Bismark Nortey, PFAG Executive Director, emphasizes leaving implementation to agricultural professionals at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). He stated, “We must avoid the mistakes of the past. Political interference must be completely ruled out.”

Nortey added that MoFA has skilled staff at all levels who can manage this program effectively. He urged politicians to step back and let experts lead. PFAG believes empowering technical experts is crucial for sustainable agricultural policies in Ghana.