Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has committed to bolstering agricultural productivity by providing farmers with tractors and credit facilities and adopting advanced farming techniques.
Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Wa East, Dr Bawumia emphasized the critical role of farming in ensuring food security and affordability in Ghana.
“Farming is pivotal to reducing food prices,” Dr. Bawumia stated, underscoring his pledge to equip farmers with the necessary tools and resources to enhance yields.
Comparing Ghana’s maize yield unfavourably to Brazil and China, where farmers achieve significantly higher productivity per acre, Dr Bawumia proposed importing successful agricultural practices from these countries to Ghana.
He affirmed, “We will introduce proven methods from Brazil and China to our farmers in Wa East District to boost productivity.”
Dr Bawumia also unveiled plans to establish “super aggregators” who will facilitate direct purchases from farmers, ensuring fair prices and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Recognizing the potential of lime fertilizers to improve soil fertility, Dr Bawumia highlighted Ghana’s abundant lime deposits and pledged support for farmers to adopt this alternative.
“I am committed to supporting our farmers. We will provide tractors and credit facilities for harvesting operations. Shifting from traditional fertilizers to lime will significantly enrich our soil,” Dr. Bawumia assured.
The initiatives announced by Dr Bawumia underscore the NPP’s strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce food prices, aiming to bolster Ghana’s agricultural sector and improve livelihoods across rural communities.
