The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has called on political parties and their presidential candidates participating in the 2024 general elections to prioritize the general concerns of farmers in the country.
In a press statement issued and signed by the General Secretary of the Union, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, to mark the Fortieth Farmers Day, GAWU held the view that despite the contribution of farmers and others in the agricultural value chain, farmers, especially crop producers remain among the poorest population in the country.
The statement further indicated that the farmers conditions are further exacerbated by post-harvest losses, unfair pricing mechanisms, inadequate access to inputs, harsh climatic conditions and the worsening situation of illegal mining in the country adding, the situation requires urgent attention.
The GAWU sent out a clarion call on political parties to prioritize agriculture in their manifestos, outlining concrete measures to support our farmers and alleviate their struggles.
GAWU is strongly urging the government to also address the pressing issues that are impacting food security in the country with emphasis on the illegal mining as the practice continues to pollute water bodies, degrade forest cover while destroying arable farmlands.
“Galamsey as it is locally termed, if not curtailed, has the tendency to harm the environment, reducing productivity and jeopardizing food security,” the statement indicated.
As a result, the GAWU is reminding government to fulfill its promise to organize labour by taking decisive action to curb illegal mining.
The Union is also requesting government to prioritize occupational safety and health of people in the agricultural sector while advocating for climate smart agricultural practices with provision of quality and drought resistant seeds, soil and land management.
Meanwhile, pressure has also been mounted on government to regulate the use of pesticides in especially crop farming because proper use of pesticides could save farmers, their children and the public at large.
The fortieth farmers’ day celebration was themed, building climate resilient agriculture for sustainable food security.
Read also:
Farmers’ Day Celebration: GAWU urges government to take decisive action to fulfill galamsey promise
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3news.com
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 has called on political parties and their presidential candidates participating in the 2024 general elections to prioritize the general concerns of farmers in the country. In a press statement issued and signed by the General Secretary of the Union, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, to mark the Fortieth Farmers Day, GAWU){kind=link}