ASCUM urges gov’t to support small-holder farmers

Mr. Freeman Madji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Abibiman Sankofa Movement (ASCUM), has urged government to support small-holder farmers, in order to help reduce poverty in the rural areas.

He was optimistic that a ‘little-push’ for the vulnerable groups like women and the disabled persons engaged in farming, would help increase food production in the country.

Mr. Madji was addressing a farmers’ rally of about 270 members of ASCUM, drawn from five units (towns) in the Eastern Region, at Akim Oda in the Birim Central Municipality.

The CEO said for government to succeed in its efforts for Ghanaians to consume locally produced foods, there was the need for it to give the required support to farmers to produce on a large scale.

“The only way to attract the youth into farming is to provide farmers with the required inputs, equipment and finance,” he emphasized.

Mr. Madji urged government to support mall-holder farmers with modern tools and inputs.

The CEO also urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to pay attention to women farmers and other vulnerable groups engaged in farming.

He said when the Health and Extension Officers of Cocoa Service intensify education of farmers on new technologies, it would enhance farmers' know-how on modern farming practices.

The CEO explained that ASCUM was a movement whose institutions had risen to the challenge of fulfilling its obligation to itself (members) through support for the vulnerable in society, to give a boost to many a needy family and communities.

Mr. Madji said he founded the movement on the basis of Community-Based Organization (CBO) in the Eastern Region, primarily to ensure that youth services, job provision, including women and disabled persons programmes, achieved their empowerment.