Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) have revealed that Ghana spends US$2million weekly due to the import of 70 percent of its onions. According to PFAG, a large share of onion imports originates from Niger, Mali, and other Sahelian countries. Former Executive Director of PFAG, Dr. Charles K. Nyaaba, finds the situation troubling and alarming.

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He said at a B&FT at an Accountability Forum for Political Parties in Accra,that, although Ghana produces enough of certain crops like cassava, maize, peanuts, cabbage, millet, yam, and plantain, the country still relies on imports for essential foods like tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice, and poultry. Ghana spends over $2.5 billion annually on food imports, with more than 60% going to rice, poultry, and sugar.

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PFAG highlights a steady rise in tomato imports from Burkina Faso, estimating the $400 million spent in 2022 may have increased by now. Dr. Charles Nyaaba attributes this high import rate to a lack of policies and support for small-scale farmers. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that between June and August 2024, around 1.05 million people in Ghana experienced severe food shortages. While this is an improvement from 1.

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37 million in 2023, Dr. Nyaaba believes these numbers are still concerning, given Ghana's potential for agriculture and food production. “Smallholder farmers are the dominant actors providing about 80 percent all food for industry, consumption and for export. Despite their importance, these farmers face numerous challenges, leading to producing below capacity” Dr. Nyaaba said.

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According to PFAG, agriculture input cost has risen by 30 percent this year alone; affecting the acquisition of inputs including fertiliser and agrochemicals. Also, the cost of mechanization, fuel and energy has increased between 25-30 percent, without considering the cost of labour and other factors.

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Other concerns of the sector, the Association noted, include, difficulty in accessing credit, limited irrigation, poor implementation of government projects and political interference in sector policies, among others. PFAG is optimistic that whoever is given the mandate to govern after this year’s general elections will commit to prioritising and supporting agricultural development to secure a better future for farmers and the nation at large.

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