The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has congratulated Ghana’s new President, John Dramani Mahama, following his successful swearing-in on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
In a statement, the group expressed confidence in the President and his new government’s ability to achieve significant progress in the agriculture and food industry.
The statement, signed by the National President, Wepia Awal Adugwala, also urged the President to nominate a “youthful and affable” Minister with experience in the industry who can effectively engage stakeholders across the value chain.
With President Mahama announcing the first set of his cabinet ministers on Thursday, January 9, discussions are ongoing about who will be nominated to fill the remaining ministerial positions.
For the role of Agriculture Minister, names such as Dr Peter Boamah Otukonor, an agricultural economist and former Deputy General Secretary who played a key role in the 2024 campaign, have emerged.
Another contender is Asunafo South MP Eric Opoku, who served as the Ranking Member of the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee.
Additionally, Harry Yamson, the NDC’s manifesto committee spokesperson on agriculture, has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
In their statement, the association emphasized: “We humbly request that you nominate a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, has experience, is affable, youthful, and capable of connecting with stakeholders across the value chain. Farmers are eager to work with a Minister who is effective, approachable, and understands their concerns and challenges.”
Agric Ministry to Focus on Value Addition and Agribusiness
President John Mahama, in the aftermath of the election, announced plans to rename the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to align with his government’s policy focus on value addition and commerce.
According to Mr. Mahama, this change will enable the ministry to concentrate on agribusiness, addressing food security challenges more effectively.
Providing further details on the policy during an interview with Global South World, he highlighted the importance of technology in expanding the agriculture sector.
“We have not fully tapped into our potential in agribusiness. We always encourage farmers to farm and provide them with subsidized fertilizers and other support. However, once the farmer is left to fend for himself, there’s no one to buy the produce or add value to it,” he explained.
President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday announced his first set of ministerial appointments with Dr Ato Cassiel Forson, John Jinapor and Dominic Ayini grabbing key positions.
A statement issued by the presidency on January 9, said, President Mahama has submitted the ministerial nominations to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
1. Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson — Minister for Finance Designate
2. Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor — Minister for Energy Designate
3. Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine — Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
