MP calls for Support for Farmers in Ghana

Member of Parliament for the Kintampo North constituency, Joseph Kwame Kumah, has saluted farmers in the country, especially those in his constituency.

He intimated that though they have no insurance policy covering them; and as their activities are very prone to disasters and accidents, yet they have been very consistent in feeding the country.

“Unfortunately, NADMO, which is supposed to assist them in case of accidents and disasters claims to be under resourced”, he lamented in an exclusive interview with ghananewsonline.com.gh last Friday in Parliament.

According to the MP, during the “Bagri Dam Opening” last year. A lot of farmers in his constituency had their farms flooded by water. To make bad worse, some too had their farms burnt to ashes last year and this year as well.

Hon. Kumah recounted how a rice farmer had his over 500 acre rice farm burnt to ashes last year, with the Regional Minister visiting the scene. Then this year, some farmers have also had their various crop farms burnt to ashes with no help coming from anywhere, as NADMO, their helping partner remains hapless in these trying moments of theirs.

He indicated that whereas one rice farmer has had his 8 Acres farm burnt to ashes. Others have their yam and corn farms also burnt to ashes.

In the same vein, over 300 houses including educational facilities (building), market stores and many others were destroyed by rains last year, and yet NADMO looked on haplessly because it is under resourced.

MP’s Question & Minsters Answer

Last year, The MP Posed a question to the Minister for the Interior as to when relief items and assistance would be given to affected victims in those unfortunate incidents. The Minster assured the MP that relief items would be accorded those victims in July last year. But as at now no such assistance has come, and only heaven knows when those relief items will be accorded those victims.

Irony

Our observations have revealed that NADMO, the very organization, that is supposed to assist farmers in such trying moments claim to be under resourced, yet NADMO has been able to acquire brand new vehicles for all regions throughout the country.

Much as NADMO needs vehicles and other facilities for its operation, it must go beyond that and see to the wellbeing and welfare of accident victims especially farmers.

Meanwhile, Hon. Kumah has appealed to Government to turn its attention to poor farmers by insuring them so that in the face of such unforeseeable circumstances and old age they can have a sign of relief.

By S.O. Ankamah