Rice farmers in Amartey Kope, a community near Akuse in Ghana’s Eastern Region, have called for an end to political interference in the distribution of agricultural subsidies and resources.
During a recent visit by the AritaGlobe Foundation, farmers acknowledged government efforts to support agriculture but stressed the need for equitable, direct access to aid to address mounting challenges such as climate change and rising production costs.
The engagement, part of the foundation’s Green Dialogue Series, aimed to assess climate impacts on farming communities. Local rice grower Jones Akpagla highlighted systemic flaws in aid distribution, noting that politically influenced channels often exclude smallholder farmers. “Government initiatives are commendable, but resources must reach the right people,” Akpagla said. He cited instances where subsidies intended for farmers were diverted, undermining food security and livelihoods.
Akpagla emphasized the financial strain on farmers, with land preparation alone costing up to GH₵20,000. Unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, further exacerbate risks. “After investing heavily, you might harvest nothing. How do you survive?” he asked.
The AritaGlobe Foundation’s findings will inform a national report and documentary to advocate for climate-resilient policies. Farmers in Amartey Kope reiterated that solutions must prioritize grassroots needs, urging streamlined, nonpartisan mechanisms to deliver seeds, fertilizers, and financing.
The farmers’ grievances reflect broader systemic issues in Ghana’s agricultural sector, where political intermediation frequently distorts resource allocation. Similar concerns have arisen in regions like the Northern Ghana, where fertilizer subsidies during the Planting for Food and Jobs program were allegedly politicized.
Experts argue that decentralizing decision-making and involving farmer cooperatives could enhance transparency. Climate resilience efforts, meanwhile, require not only subsidies but also infrastructure investments, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, to mitigate losses. As Ghana faces rising food import bills, addressing these gaps becomes critical to sustaining its agrarian economy and achieving long-term food sovereignty.
