A development economist at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, has raised the alarm over a growing crisis in Ghana’s agricultural sector, warning that many farmers are struggling to sell their produce.
Prof. Fred Dzanku explained on JoyNews’ Newsfile that the lack of market access is threatening the entire agricultural value chain and could lead to a sharp decline in production.
“Even farmers producing locally are not getting markets for their products,” he said. “Go to Edem Agbana’s district, and you’ll see stockpiles of rice that farmers cannot sell. This problem isn’t limited to one area; it’s happening across the country.”
He warned that the situation has demoralized farmers, with many considering abandoning agriculture altogether. “They sent us a message saying that probably next year, many of them may not produce,” Prof. Dzanku revealed.
His comments come after a recent presidential directive encouraging the purchase of local rice, but he said the call appears to be largely ignored. “They are not doing it. In fact, some who are supposed to be buying local rice are still importing it into the country,” he noted.
Prof. Dzanku emphasized that political accountability is key to addressing the crisis. “We have to hold our politicians more accountable,” he said, pointing to the broader political economy as a core issue.
He argued that Ghana’s entrenched two-party system—between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—limits incentives for meaningful change. “It’s almost as if they know that power will alternate between NPP and NDC, and this duopoly leaves vulnerable groups like farmers without a voice,” he explained.
“Until citizens demand better and put pressure on leaders, nothing will change. The farmer in the Upper East Region producing soybean, who can’t access markets, has no representation,” he added.
Prof. Dzanku called on civil society organisations and academics to take a non-partisan approach in advocating for change. “Civil society and academics must speak to these issues devoid of politics to force real change,” he concluded, emphasizing the urgency of protecting farmers and strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector.