The newly elected Greater Accra regional executives of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) visited the Tema Fishing Harbour of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) today. The visit was part of their efforts to engage key stakeholders and familiarize themselves with activities in the farming and fishing sectors.
Welcoming the delegation, Engineer Stephen Ampiaw, General Manager of Tema Fishing Harbour, acknowledged the broad scope of the Association’s work, describing its role as both challenging and essential. He pledged GPHA’s continued support, emphasizing its commitment to working collaboratively for the benefit of farmers and fishermen. Ing. Ampiaw noted that the Association has significant potential to make a lasting impact on Ghana’s agricultural and fisheries sectors.
According to Ing. Ampiaw, over three million people are employed in fishing-related activities across the country. He highlighted the vital role of agriculture and farming in creating employment opportunities, expressing hope that the Association would fulfill its mission in alignment with government policies. He urged GNAFF executives to study the administration’s manifesto, particularly its provisions on fishing and farming, to ensure they advocate for the right policies that enhance the livelihoods of those in the sector.
GNAFF executives, led by Regional Chair Nene Vincent Mensah, in turn, encouraged GPHA to deepen engagement with fishing communities by improving direct communication with industry executives and providing expert advice to fisherfolk. The executives also voiced concerns over the high cost of agriculture-related inputs and equipment. Although such equipment is allowed duty-free entry into Ghana, its high clearing costs at the ports remain a barrier for farmers. The Association was urged to push for policies that make farming equipment more affordable.
The meeting also touched on efforts to reduce food prices in Ghana, including initiatives such as backyard gardening and the potential revival of the “Operation Feed Yourself” program. GNAFF consultant Mr. Francis Opai Tetteh cited Lebanon’s innovative agricultural practices, such as soil spraying on mountains to cultivate fresh produce in areas with non-fertile land. He emphasized that Ghana should not take its fertile land for granted, as it has all the natural resources needed to grow a wide variety of food crops. He underscored the importance of increasing domestic food production to reduce scarcity and lower costs, pledging the Association’s commitment to working with government agencies to enhance food security nationwide.
The discussions reaffirmed the need to strengthen partnerships and fishing stakeholders to drive sustainability and prosperity in the sector.