Farmers Urged To Seek Education On Pesticides To Combat Cancer Surge

Farmers in Ghana have been urged to seek education and training on pesticide use to prevent health risks, particularly cancer, which has been on the rise in the country.

Speaking at the Greater Accra Regional Delegate Conference held in Nungua, special guest Nene Odjemuno Kweku Teye stressed the urgent need for farmers to be educated on the chemicals they use on their farms.

He noted that many farmers are unable to read or understand pesticide labels, leading to wrong use and harmful exposure.

The conference, which brought together two hundred and three (203) executive members and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, also saw a call for stronger partnerships between farmers and the government.

The outgoing president of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), Mr. Emmanuel Terkpetey Mensah, alongside the chairman of the occasion, emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping agricultural policies that will enhance productivity and food security in Ghana.

“Politicians have hijacked the farming sector for too long, but the initiatives we are putting in place now will be sustained. Farmers must realize our importance in the country’s development and work together to ensure our voices are heard,” Mr Emmanuel Terkpetey Mensah Teye stated.

Highlighting Ghana’s agricultural potential, he lamented the high cost of food imports despite the country’s fertile land and cited examples of China exporting Ghanaian soil to grow cocoa and questioned why Ghana still relies on imported food items such as cassava from Egypt.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture, Mr.  A. Daniel underscored the critical role of farmers in the agricultural value chain, urging them to elect leaders who will advocate for their interests.

“Farmers’ associations are crucial, and as the first actors in the value chain, farmers must ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. I encourage all members to fully support the newly elected executives,” he opined.

Under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, new Greater Accra Regional Executives including Regional Chairman Vincent Mensah, and Vice Emmanuel Annang Akoto, Regional secretary Mabel Delassie Awuku, Financial Secretary Kannotey Onyameh, Treasurer Vida Ocran and organizer John Akrofi Kabutey were elected to lead the Association.

The conference which brought together 203 members from 29 metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region concluded with a renewed call for farmers to unite and strengthen the association, ensuring they receive the recognition and support necessary to sustain Ghana’s agricultural sector and contribute to national development.

BY: Mabel Delassie Awuku

GNAFF Regional Secretary