The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) has held its 8th National Delegates Congress in Kumasi, over the weekend.
It was on the theme: “Uniting Farmers and Fishermen to Fee the Nation.” The congress elected new executives who were duly sworn into office.
Mr. Michael Tetteh Kwetey was elected as the National President of the Association while Dr. Abutu Ķapori was elected the General Secretary, with Rev. Simon Banmarigu as the National Youth Organiser.
Officers elected unopposed were Abraham Dwuma Odwoom (1st Vice President ), Mr. Israel Kuadzi (Deputy General Secretary), Mr. Isaac Amanor (National Treasurer), Rev. Richard Amo (National Deputy Youth Organiser), Naana Asi (National Women Organiser) and Madam Claudia Martekie (Deputy National Women Organiser).
The new GNAFF President, Mr. Michael Tetteh Kwetey, thanked the delegates for the honour and noted that the “renewed live and strength” of GNAFF will reinforce farmers and fishermen role as the backbone of the nation.
“No society can imagine a future without farmers and fishermen,” Mr. Kwetey noted.
He advised members to make collective efforts to improve their livelihood and the nation’s economy. He also assured the government of GNAFF’s readiness for partnership to increase productivity.
Mr. Godfred Appiah Acheampong, Ashanti Regional Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, addressing the Congress noted that the nation could not be fed while farmers and fishermen are fragmented and urged them to come together and promote inclusive policies.
The Regional Agric. Director indicated that unity promotes one voice, to negotiate better markets, adapt innovative practices as well as climate and economic shocks together.
He further reaffirmed his outfit’s unwavering commitment to partnering with GNAFF and other stakeholders to build capacity of farmers and fishermen whether in the area of extension support, policy delivery mechanisation, market access and agribusiness incubation.
He also assured of his outfit’s readiness to support initiatives that lift up producers and ensure they remain the heartbeat of the nation’s development and pledged to keep working to ensure their labour is “dignified, protected and rewarded”.
ACP Rev. Dr Adane Ameyaw, representing the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, assured that police were ready to cooperate and support GNAFF to ensure sustained security and peace, to enable the association achieve its aim, in line with the 24-Hour economy policy.
He said the Police Administration recognised the vital role of farmers and fisher folks in ensuring food security for the nation, stressing that working together would enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable practices, as well as build a more resilient food system.
The Police Chief explained that for a more resilient food system, there must be mechanisms such as policy support, investment in infrastructure, commitment to fair practices among others, in place that benefit both producer and consumers.
Mad. Margaret Frimpong Ayerakwa, Cocoa Health and Extension Division, COCOBOD emphasised the essence of farmers and fisher folks’ unwavering dedication in the nation’s food security, economic advancement as well as sustenance of millions of people.
She further stressed that COCOBOD was dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the agriculture value-chain, as well as ensuring that cocoa farmers receive a decent reward for their hard work, through initiatives such as producer price adjustment and soon to be implemented Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme.
Madam Ayerakwa supported GNAFF’s call for the reclamation of farmlands, which has been destroyed by illegal mining activities because it aligns with COCOBOD concerns about illegal mining and its negative impact on cocoa farms.
Other speakers at the Congress were Mr. Godfred Boakye, Representative, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Chief Ranger Ebenezer T. Nartey, Forestry Commission, Bekwai District and Mr. Albert Appiah Amoako, Principal, Kwadaso Agricultural College.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
