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Story by Isaac Mortey
The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen has thrown its weight behind former President John Dramani Mahama’s plan to deploy 4,000 agricultural machines across 50 districts, describing the initiative as a major boost to the agricultural sector.
In an interview on AM Ghana on ADOA TV, Dr. Abutu Kapori, General Secretary of the association, said the proposed Farmer Service Centres would transform farming in Ghana but warned that sustainability and community participation must be at the heart of the project.
A Laudable Start, but Sustainability Is Key
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is bringing something laudable to the good people of this country. It gives us motivation in the agricultural sector,” Dr. Kapori said.
He stressed that while initiatives must start somewhere, continuity and succession are what truly matter.
“The only thing we have to take together is that sustainability is crucial. When it comes to sustainability, we need to involve communities and businesses effectively. We need community participation so that people in the area are involved in the project and ensure it is protected for generations yet unborn.”
Dr. Kapori recommended that a committee be established in every district, “centred on a person chosen by the people themselves and facilitated by government.”
Smallholder Farmers Must Be Core Beneficiaries
Responding to the host’s question on how smallholder farmers, who make up at least 70 percent of Ghana’s agricultural workforce, would benefit from the mini tractors and attachments, Dr. Abutu Kapori was emphatic.
“Once the incubation is done very well, smallholder farmers will have access to the services these centres provide. If the model is implemented and does not include smallholder farmers, then we will have defeated the purpose.”
He noted that smallholder farmers contribute the bulk of the country’s food production.
“One of the reasons government is putting this mechanism in place is to bring smallholder farmers up to speed.”
Tailoring Equipment to Local Needs
On concerns about the distribution of combine harvesters, seed drills, and other machinery, Kapori said a thorough analysis of environmental and climatic conditions in each district would determine what equipment is deployed.
“If you go to Northern Ghana, you know the type of crops grown there. The analysis will be done carefully so that whatever centre is established in any particular area serves a purpose.”
Jobs, Maintenance Culture, and Discipline
Kapori argued that the value chain created by the centres would generate substantial employment.
“People will repair these machines. People will transport them from point A to point B. We will need drivers, mechanics, and security personnel. Even those who contract the owners of this equipment—many people will be employed. This will help address unemployment in this country.”
However, he cautioned that Ghanaians must improve their discipline, particularly regarding maintenance culture.
“It is not for me; it is for government, it is taxpayers’ money. All of us must protect taxpayers’ money and put it to judicious use. Chiefs should be involved, as well as technical experts. Sustainability is our watchword.”
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Dr. Kapori highlighted that the initiative would help tackle post-harvest losses by improving access to mechanised systems and transport from hinterlands to market centres.
“If we do it well, we will employ many people. We will have vehicles that can go into farms to convey produce to market centres. We will be able to store our tomatoes and onions for future use.”
He concluded:
“President Mahama has promised to establish Farmer Service Centres in 50 agricultural districts. These centres will serve the agricultural needs of this country. We need to start from somewhere to get there.”