“Release Funds to Buy Our Produce” — Atebubu Farmers Cry Out as Crops Rot
Maize prices crash from GH₵1,600 to GH₵200 as farmers urge government to activate Buffer Stock support
- Farmers demand release of funds to Buffer Stock to buy produce
- Maize prices drop drastically from GH₵1,600 to GH₵200
- Minority backs farmers’ call for urgent government intervention
Farmers in Atebubu-Amantin in the Bono East Region are calling on government to urgently release funds to the National Buffer Stock Company to purchase their farm produce, as they face severe financial distress.
The farmers say tonnes of their produce, particularly maize, are going to waste due to the absence of buyers, despite reports that government has allocated GH₵200 million to support Buffer Stock operations.
Speaking during an interaction with the Minority Caucus, the farmers lamented a sharp drop in prices, revealing that a bag of maize which previously sold for GH₵1,600 is now being bought for as low as GH₵200.
According to them, the situation has left them at the mercy of middlemen who dictate prices, further worsening their plight.
“We are suffering. Our produce is rotting, and yet we hear government has released money. We need urgent intervention,” one farmer lamented.
They also raised concerns over the high cost of fertilizers and other farm inputs, which they say contradicts claims of easing inflation.
The farmers are therefore appealing to government to act swiftly by releasing funds to the Buffer Stock Company to purchase their produce and stabilize prices.
The Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who was present during the engagement, also echoed the concerns of the farmers, urging government to respond promptly to prevent further losses.
