Former General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), Edward Kareweh, has expressed concern over the situation in the Afram Plains, where farmers are appealing for help as buyers fail to show up to purchase their produce, leaving many at risk of heavy losses.
Speaking on Happy FM’s Morning Show, Kareweh said the problem reflects a much deeper challenge within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
According to Kareweh, Ghana’s agricultural difficulties go beyond production and what happens after harvest.
“That is the most distasteful thing for a farmer. There are many challenges in agriculture, from accessing credit to labour, but if a farmer overcomes these obstacles to produce and cannot get a market, he stands to lose more than 50% of his production cost. Without covering costs, you cannot continue producing,” he explained.
Drawing on the experience of onion farmers, Kareweh described the situation as part of the perennial challenges that plague Ghanaian farmers. He stressed that although agriculture is hailed as the backbone of the economy, the country lacks the commitment needed to support it.
He explained that a strong agricultural sector reduces inflation and provides jobs, especially in rural communities.
On the issue of post-harvest losses, Kareweh said the situation remains alarming in Ghana, with significant wastage occurring between the farm gate and the consumer’s table.
“We must be able to reduce some of the post-harvest losses in agriculture. Unfortunately, our system does not support this. Farmers should not be responsible for marketing their own produce. There should be structured arrangements and regulations on how to store and distribute agricultural products,” he said.
