On Friday, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate for 2028, met with the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) in Accra to discuss the plight of local farmers who are unable to sell their harvests, even at reduced prices.
NASTAG, the umbrella body of certified private seed producers, warned that Ghana’s food security is under threat, with the country importing about 90 % of its vegetable seeds. The association also highlighted that massive imports of food commodities have flooded the local market, leaving farmers stranded with maize, rice and soybeans they cannot sell.
Other concerns raised by NASTAG included regulatory gaps in the National Seed Policy, the hijacking of public seed procurement by what they termed “political seed merchants”, and infrastructure challenges.
Responding, Dr Bawumia expressed sympathy for the farmers and called the situation “troubling and unacceptable.” He said the inability to sell produce after investing in a good harvest is a disincentive that negatively impacts agriculture.
“It is really troubling and unacceptable that we have a situation where farmers cannot sell their produce after investing and putting in so much effort. This is not only a disincentive to farmers, but it also negatively impacts agriculture,” he said.
He stressed that agriculture is non‑negotiable for national development and pledged to invest heavily in research and sector transformation to protect farmers.
“I am very committed to agriculture. It is the key to our development, and we must put in the resources to help grow the sector. We have to benefit from what is happening in other countries, learn what research has worked in our environment, and be prepared to invest in it,” he added.
Dr Bawumia thanked NASTAG for their candour and assured that his team will continue to engage them for practical solutions.
