Akrofrom MP Challenges “Farming Is for the Poor” Mindset, Says Agriculture Is Ghana’s Hidden Wealth Engine

Akrofrom MP Challenges “Farming Is for the Poor” Mindset, Says Agriculture Is Ghana’s Hidden Wealth Engine

Source:Justice Baffour Awuah//managing editor,www.dailywatchgh.com-0246930931

The Member of Parliament for the Akrofrom Constituency, Hon. Joseph Azuma, has issued a bold challenge to what he describes as one of society’s most damaging misconceptions—that farming is reserved for the poor, the uneducated, or those without opportunities. According to him, agriculture remains Ghana’s most underestimated wealth-building sector, with the potential to transform not just individual lives but the entire national economy.

Hon. Azuma made these remarks at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held at Wamasi in the Adansi Akrofrom District. The event drew a large crowd, including traditional authorities, political leaders, agricultural experts, and residents who gathered to honour farmers whose sacrifices sustain Ghana’s food security.

Addressing the gathering, the MP expressed deep concern over the persistent belief that farming is a last-resort occupation meant only for those struggling financially. He noted that such attitudes have discouraged thousands of young people from entering a sector that has the potential to offer financial independence and long-term stability.

“The idea that farming is for the poor is misleading and damaging,” Hon. Azuma stressed.
“My own life story contradicts this stereotype. Farming is not what people think it is. With the right support, farmers can build real wealth and become major contributors to national development.”

He emphasized that agriculture today goes beyond traditional hoe-and-cutlass farming. With the rise of mechanization, irrigation technology, improved seeds, agro-processing, and digital marketing, young people can now build profitable enterprises within the agricultural value chain.

Hon. Azuma cited sectors such as greenhouse vegetable production, livestock breeding, organic farming, aquaculture, cashew and cocoa processing, and export-driven agribusiness as areas where Ghana’s youth can tap into opportunities worth millions.

He urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to stop discouraging young people from entering agriculture, arguing that the fastest-growing economies in the world,like China, Brazil, and India,strengthened their foundations through massive investment in farmers.

Taking his turn, the District Chief Executive for Adansi Akrofrom, Hon. Gariba Muhammed Mustapha, praised farmers for their unwavering commitment despite the challenges posed by climate change, high input costs, and volatile market conditions.

The DCE described farmers as the “heartbeat of the district,” noting that their resilience ensures constant food supply, job creation, and rural economic growth.

He reaffirmed the assembly’s support for farmers through:distribution of improved seedlings,mechanization and tractor services,farmer training programs,extension service delivery,support for women and youth in agriculture.

However, Hon. Mustapha also raised a critical concern,limited land availability for key development projects. He appealed to chiefs, landowners, and families to collaborate with the assembly by making land accessible for schools, clinics, agricultural centres, and infrastructure development.

“We cannot attract investment or implement life-changing projects if land continues to be a barrier,” he said.
“Let us release land for initiatives that will benefit our children, our communities, and generations to come.”

His remarks drew applause from the audience, particularly from youth groups and community leaders who acknowledged the need for more development projects in the district.

The Farmers’ Day celebration was filled with excitement, featuring,an exhibition of fresh farm produce

cultural drumming and dance

displays of livestock and poultry

agro-technology demonstrations

awards to outstanding farmers

Top-performing farmers received items such as tricycles, sprayers, farm tools, protective wear, agrochemicals, and certificates.

Many of the farmers expressed gratitude for the honour, saying the recognition motivates them to work harder despite the challenges they face. They also appealed for:

improved access to credit

affordable fertilizer

reliable markets

more storage facilities

continuous government support

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Agriculture.

Both the MP and the DCE assured farmers that government remains committed to strengthening agriculture through modern mechanization,irrigation projects,improved seed distribution,investment in value addition
,better transportation and market access,support for agritech-driven farming

They emphasized that agriculture must be seen as a business one capable of producing millionaires, creating jobs, and driving Ghana toward self-sufficiency in food production.

Hon. Azuma ended with a passionate appeal to young people that,The future of Ghana depends on agriculture. Embrace it. Innovate within it. Lead it. Farming is not poverty,it is power, it is prosperity, it is national pride.”

With this message, the 41st Farmers’ Day celebration in Adansi Akrofrom closed on an inspiring note, reaffirming that farming is not just a tradition but a key pillar of Ghana’s future growth.