Ghana presidential candidate Bawumia pledges reforms to protect farmers
Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s candidate in the 2028 presidential election, said in Accra, Ghana, that a situation in which farmers cannot sell their harvest even at reduced prices is unacceptable. He promised large-scale reforms to protect local farmers and ensure the country’s food sovereignty.
Problems with marketing harvests
According to MyJoyOnline, Bawumia made the statement during a meeting with the leadership of the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG), held as part of his consultations with stakeholders. NASTAG brings together certified private seed producers.
Association representatives said that Ghana’s food security is under threat because the country imports about 90% of its vegetable seeds. According to them, large-scale food imports have flooded the domestic market, leaving farmers unable to sell maize, rice, and soybeans even at lower prices.
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NASTAG also drew attention to gaps in the national seed policy and infrastructure problems. Separately, the organization’s representatives stated that public procurement of seeds had, in their wording, been captured by “political seed traders.”
Investment promises
Bawumia, who previously served as vice president, expressed sympathy for farmers. He noted that being unable to sell produce after investing money and labor deprives producers of incentives and negatively affects agriculture.
The politician called the agricultural sector key to the country’s development and promised to invest in research and the transformation of the industry, including to protect farmers. He also said that his team would continue consultations with NASTAG to find practical solutions.
