BONO EAST CASHEW FARMERS CRY FOR HELP AS PRODUCE GOES TO WASTE

 

Cashew farmers across the Bono East Region have voiced strong frustration over the lack of ready markets for their produce, warning that the situation is pushing them into severe financial hardship.

The farmers, who rely heavily on cashew as a major source of income, say large quantities of their harvested produce are going to waste due to the absence of buyers, leaving many households struggling to survive.

Their concerns came to light during a tour by the Minority Caucus led by the Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh. The team visited key farming communities including Kintampo South, Nkoranza North, and Nkoranza South as part of a nationwide engagement with farmers.

During the interactions, several cashew farmers openly expressed their frustrations, describing a worsening situation where produce remains unsold while incomes continue to decline. Many lamented the lack of effective government intervention, particularly in areas such as buffer stock support and market facilitation.

They are now appealing to the government to urgently release funds and introduce policies that will attract buyers and stabilise the cashew market. According to them, continued neglect could lead to the collapse of the cashew sector in the region.

The crisis extends beyond cashew, as farmers producing maize, rice, yams, and other cereals across Bono East also reported similar challenges, including falling prices, lack of buyers, and rising input costs. Many say they are forced to depend on middlemen who dictate low prices, further worsening their economic conditions.

The Bono East visit forms part of a broader nationwide tour by the Minority Caucus aimed at gathering firsthand information on challenges facing farmers. Since the start of the tour, the team has engaged farmers in Atebubu-Amantin, Pru West, Kintampo North, and surrounding communities, where concerns about delayed payments, poor market access, and inadequate support have been consistent.

Addressing the farmers, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh assured them that their concerns would be presented in Parliament, stressing the Minority’s commitment to pushing for policies that will protect farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen Ghana’s agricultural sector. He called for urgent government action to restore confidence in farming and prevent further decline in productivity.