The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), ahead of the 2024 election, has urged political parties to prioritize the concerns of farmers in the country.
In a statement to commemorate the 40th Farmers’ Day celebration, GAWU lamented that farmers remain poor despite their significant contribution to the agricultural value chain.
The statement, signed by the Secretary, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, cited post-harvest losses, unfair pricing mechanisms, inadequate access to inputs, harsh climatic conditions, and the worsening situation of illegal mining in the country, adding that the situation requires urgent attention.
GAWU has appealed to the government to also address the pressing issues impacting food security in the country, with an emphasis on illegal mining, which continues to pollute water bodies, degrade forest cover, and destroy arable farmlands.
“Galamsey, as it is locally termed, if not curtailed, has the potential to harm the environment, reduce productivity, and jeopardize food security,” the statement indicated.
GAWU further reminded the government to fulfill its promise to organize labor by taking decisive action to curb illegal mining.
Read the full statement below: