Pension Scheme: Ghana National Farmers and Fishermen Association calls for inclusion
The Association has called for the inclusion of farmers and fishermen to the National Pension Scheme, noting it is only fair that they are allowed to benefit from pension support after years of hard work.
The leadership of the Ghana National Farmers and Fishermen Association (GNAFF) has made a strong appeal to the government and relevant stakeholders to work towards the inclusion of farmers in the national pension scheme.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Association’s regional executives, Francis Opare Tetteh, a consultant to the Association, emphasized the vital role farmers and fishermen play in the country’s development. He stressed that it is only fair that they are allowed to benefit from pension support after years of hard work.
“Farmers are the backbone of this nation, ensuring food security and contributing immensely to the economy. It is time they are recognized with and made to enjoy pension benefits,” Tetteh said.
He revealed that the Association’s national leadership has already initiated steps toward making this a reality and is engaging with the relevant institutions to explore viable frameworks.
“We have a team that is going to give us a blueprint on how to deliver the pension scheme for our farmers and fishermen,”
The inauguration event also served as a platform to discuss key challenges facing the agricultural sector and to strategize on regional-level advocacy and development efforts.
The Association says it will continue to push for policies that improve the welfare and financial security of farmers and fishermen across the country.
For his part, the Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, commended the newly inaugurated executives of the Association and called for stronger collaboration between the association and government agencies to enhance food security and livelihoods across the region.
He assured the cooperation of the regional agriculture department to help achieve the goals of the Association.
Alhaji Fuseini added that one of the strategies the department was implementing to support farmers this wet season was the dissemination of early weather forecasts to help them plan more effectively for their farming activities.
This initiative, he explained, is aimed at minimizing the impact of potential dry spells similar to those experienced during last year’s farming season. He emphasized that timely weather information is essential for farmers to make informed decisions regarding planting schedules, crop selection, and resource allocation.
“With the support of the Ghana Meteorological Service, we’ve already begun broadcasting through radio programmes and extension visits. Farmers are also receiving weather alerts directly via mobile phones,” he explained
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