Renowned financial economist and agribusiness advocate, Dr. Peter Kwesi Terkper, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National President of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF).
The announcement was made during a meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Executives of the Association, where Dr. Terkper lauded their dedication and grassroots mobilisation efforts.
A Vision Anchored in Welfare, Innovation, and Sustainability
Addressing the executives, Dr. Terkper underscored his motivation to lead GNAFF as a call to duty and a personal commitment to uplift the Association and enhance the livelihoods of its members.
“When you take a decision to lead in any capacity, you must ensure you leave the position in a better shape than you found it,” he stated.
At the heart of his campaign is a strong focus on pension and healthcare support for ageing farmers and fisherfolk. Drawing on his expertise as a board member of Enterprise Insurance, Dr. Terkper proposed a tailor-made pension scheme that would provide monthly stipends and healthcare coverage for retired members.
“After a certain age, farmers need something dependable. With our numbers, we can work towards our own pension scheme,” he explained.
Modernising Agriculture and Empowering Rural Economies
Dr. Terkper also called for a shift from traditional, labour-intensive farming to mechanised and technology-driven agriculture. He stressed the need to make farming more profitable, less stressful, and attractive to the youth and professionals.
“The days when people had many children just to work on farms are behind us. We must embrace technology to increase output and reduce stress,” he said.
He encouraged professionals from diverse backgrounds—including lawyers, doctors, and civil servants—to consider farming as a strategic investment, citing the model in Ivory Coast where individuals manage farms remotely with the support of trained agricultural officers.
Bold Policy Proposals for Sector Transformation
Dr. Terkper outlined a comprehensive agenda to modernise Ghana’s agriculture sector, including:
- Fair pricing mechanisms for farm produce
- Establishment of warehouse and buffer stock systems
- Introduction of bill of exchange models for produce marketing
- Creation of a Farmers’ Bank to offer low-interest loans and credit facilities tailored to farmers’ needs
Endorsement from GNAFF Leadership
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GNAFF, Vincent Mensah, expressed strong support for Dr. Terkper’s candidacy, describing him as a transformational leader with the vision and integrity to steer the Association through its current challenges.
“He has personally committed resources to reactivate and support GNAFF. We need a leader like him to reposition the Association for sustainable growth,” Mr. Mensah said, urging nationwide support for Dr. Terkper’s bid.
A Candidate with Proven Track Record
Dr. Terkper currently serves as Head of Treasury and Trade Finance for West and North Africa at Wilmar International. He is widely respected for his strategic leadership, integrity, and commitment to inclusive economic growth.
His decision to run for the national presidency of GNAFF has been met with enthusiasm from stakeholders across the country, many of whom see him as the ideal leader to bring meaningful transformation to Ghana’s agricultural sector.
By: Delassie Mabel Awuku, GNAFF Greater Accra Regional Secretary
