By: Catherine Ahiador
Rev. Okumador, a cocoa farmer has agitated strongly against the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, calling for its immediate dissolution. His call arises out of his complaint that cocoa farmers and farmers in general were sidelined and relegated to the background despite the fact that they religiously obliged to their tax paying responsibilities.
Rev. Okumador who made the call on Rite FM’s Akuafo Sesen show on Wednesday also accused authorities of politicizing the distribution of herbicides and cocoa seeds as only farmers identified as sympathizers of the governing party are considered for the exercise.
This according to Rev. Okumador has compelled farmers to register in the guise sympathizers of the governing party in order to receive the freebies or risk losing out on the distribution. ‘Even with that, there are series of conditions attached to it which was not the case under the erstwhile NPP regime.
Another farmer who identified himself as ‘Bishop’ also accused the government of neglecting farmers, adding that farmers these days find it difficult to afford even a piece of cloth. Another farmer, ‘Gadhafi,’ who also shared his thoughts also lamented that fishermen lacked incentives. According to him, the low price offered for their catch by traders and low purchase of their products by traders was also taking a toll on their work.
Other farmers who also shared their thoughts noted that farmers paid taxes and argued why there were no funds to support their activities.
Source: ritefmonline.org
