Peasant Farmers urge Mahama to appoint youthful, experienced agriculture minister

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has congratulated Ghana's new President, John Dramani Mahama, following his successful swearing-in on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

In a statement, the group expressed confidence in the President and his new government’s ability to achieve significant progress in the agriculture and food industry.

The statement, signed by the National President, Wepia Awal Adugwala, also urged the President to nominate a "youthful and affable" Minister with experience in the industry who can effectively engage stakeholders across the value chain.

With President Mahama announcing the first set of his cabinet ministers yesterday, discussions are ongoing about who will be nominated to fill the remaining ministerial positions.

For the role of Agriculture Minister, names such as Dr. Peter Boamah Otukonor, an agricultural economist and former Deputy General Secretary who played a key role in the 2024 campaign, have emerged.

Another contender is Asunafo South MP Eric Opoku, who served as the Ranking Member of the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee.

Additionally, Harry Yamson, the NDC's manifesto committee spokesperson on agriculture, has been mentioned as a potential candidate.

In their statement, the association emphasised, "We humbly request that you nominate a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, has experience, is affable, youthful, and capable of connecting with stakeholders across the value chain. Farmers are eager to work with a Minister who is effective, approachable, and understands their concerns and challenges."