Peasant farmers outline how government can reduce dependence on food imports

The Acting Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Bismark Nortey, has stated that the government can reduce the country's dependence on food imports by addressing the high cost of production.

According to him, if the government implements mechanisms to subsidise agricultural machinery and services, farmers will be able to produce at a lower cost.

This would also create jobs, as more labor would be needed to meet the growing demand.

Currently, Ghana imports a total of $2 billion worth of food annually.

Speaking to Citi Business News about the high level of food imports, Nortey emphasised the need for urgent policy interventions to transform the agricultural sector.

“Currently, one of the major causes of the high cost of food is the significant amount we spend on production. We are spending heavily on input costs and agricultural services because they are very expensive. If the government can find a mechanism to either subsidise or reduce the prices of these inputs, we can produce at a lower cost, leading to higher productivity," he said.

“In many farming districts, there is no access to mechanization. We are still using hoes and cutlasses, which is not helping," he added.

Nortey further stated, “If we invest in agriculture, smallholder farming, and infrastructure, I am confident that the funds we currently spend on food imports could be redirected to enhance local production. We are just one step away from reducing our dependence on food imports.”

Rising food prices remain a significant driver of high inflation in Ghana, with food and non-alcoholic beverages consistently being the largest contributors to overall inflation.

In February, the inflation rate stood at 23.1 percent.

SA/MA

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