MINORITY CAUCUS CONCLUDES 3-DAY BONO EAST TOUR WITH STRONG CALL FOR URGENT ACTION FOR FARMERS

MINORITY CAUCUS CONCLUDES 3-DAY BONO EAST TOUR WITH STRONG CALL FOR URGENT ACTION FOR FARMERS

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has successfully concluded a three-day intensive tour of the Bono East Region, engaging farmers, traders, and key stakeholders across nine constituencies as part of its nationwide outreach to address the growing challenges in the agricultural sector.

Led by the Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the tour began in Atebubu-Amantin, Pru West, and Kintampo North.

The team engaged farmers dealing in maize, yams, rice, pepper, and other crops who expressed deep frustration over the lack of ready markets, falling prices, and the inability to recover production costs. Many revealed that their produce is left to rot despite reports of government allocations meant to support Buffer Stock purchases.

On the second day, the Caucus moved to Kintampo South, Nkoranza North, and Nkoranza South, where similar concerns were raised. Cashew farmers joined maize and rice producers in lamenting the absence of buyers and declining incomes.

Across these constituencies, farmers described a worsening situation driven by rising input costs, market uncertainties, and what they see as inadequate government intervention.

The final leg of the tour took the team to Techiman North, Techiman South, and the Techiman Market—one of the largest food trading hubs in the country. Here, both farmers and traders highlighted how the challenges in production and market access are affecting the entire food supply chain, leading to significant economic strain.

Throughout the tour, the Minority Caucus listened to emotional testimonies from farmers, including women traders and young farmers, many of whom spoke about financial distress, unpaid produce, and the risk of abandoning farming altogether. Key issues raised included the urgent need for the release of funds to the Buffer Stock Company, restoration of fair producer prices, and policies to protect local farmers from market distortions such as excessive imports.

The Minority assured farmers that their concerns will be carried to Parliament and the national stage.

The Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to serve as the voice of farmers, demanding accountability and pushing for immediate policy responses to restore confidence and stability in the agricultural sector.

The Bono East tour forms part of a broader national movement by the Minority to engage farmers directly, amplify their voices, and advocate for sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the agricultural economy.