The newly elected President of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, Mr Mike Kwetey Tetteh, has voiced concerns over the persistent shortage of gasoline and premix fuel, which he says is severely affecting the livelihoods and productivity of stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

Mr Tetteh, who made the remarks during his official inauguration ceremony on July 22 in Accra, lamented the struggles fisherfolk are currently enduring due to their inability to secure sufficient fuel and oil for their operations at sea.

“This ongoing fuel challenge is making life unbearable for our fishermen. They are unable to go to sea regularly, and this is affecting their income, productivity, and overall food supply,” he said.

The newly elected President of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, Mr Mike Kwetey Tetteh

In a bid to address these pressing challenges, Mr Tetteh announced his intention to convene a national durbar of farmers and fisherfolk. The forum, he explained, will provide a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss the various obstacles they face and offer recommendations for sustainable solutions.

“The national durbar will allow us to collectively brainstorm the issues confronting fisherfolk across the country. Many of these challenges remain unknown not only to the government but even to the very agencies mandated to support us,” he stressed.

Acknowledging the trust reposed in him through the recent election, Mr Tetteh praised the membership for their commitment to the association's ideals.

“Your hard work and dedication, as demonstrated during last Saturday’s election, truly represent the strength and hallmark of this great association,” he said.

He pledged to match that commitment with strong leadership, aimed at ushering in a period of transformation and productivity within the sector.

“As president, I shall lead this association with the same strength, zeal, and commitment that you have shown over the years,” Mr Tetteh stated.

He expressed confidence in the association’s ability to contribute meaningfully to national food security by improving both productivity and profitability among its members.

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of all farmers and fisherfolk, emphasising the critical role they play in Ghana’s socio-economic development.

“As I said in my speech last Saturday, no society can ever imagine a future without farmers, fishermen, and women. I shall therefore prioritise your welfare in all considerations as president of this association,” he affirmed.

Mr Tetteh further assured members of the association’s willingness to collaborate with the government and other relevant institutions to overcome the sector’s challenges and position Ghana’s agriculture and fisheries industry for growth.

Under his leadership, the association, he said, would strive to confront the threat of food insecurity and pursue inclusive policies that would transform the sector into a viable engine of economic development.