Good news for Ghanaian farmers! After years of struggling under high agro-input taxes, they have finally won a major victory. Let us delve into how civil society organizations (CSOs) like Oxfam and its partners under the Together Against Poverty (TAP) project played a crucial role in this success story.

Ghana's recent economic woes hit the agricultural sector hard. Public debt forced the government to tax essential farming supplies, making it even harder for smallholder farmers to make a living. This not only hurt their livelihoods but also threatened the country's food security.

The TAP Project: A Beacon of Hope

Recognizing the risk posed to farmers, Oxfam and partners stepped in to advocate for their removal. Oxfam working alone could not have achieved this outcome. They understood the power of partnership. By working with other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, they formed a strong, unified voice.

The project used various smart strategies to get their message across. They met with government officials, drafted petitions, launched public campaigns, and even organized farmer caravans.

Finally, after two long years of relentless effort, their hard work paid off! The Ghanaian Parliament approved tax exemptions on essential agricultural inputs and machinery in the 2024 national budget.

Collaboration & Persistence Wins!

This success highlights some valuable lessons. First, collaboration is key. By working together, stakeholders can amplify their voices and achieve greater impact. Second, persistence pays off. Even when faced with slow progress, staying focused on the goal is crucial.

"We wish to commend the government for considering our input on providing tax exemptions on agricultural input and machinery. While we appreciate the gesture, we need to emphasize that we, as farmers, are still faced with high input and service prices, which indicate that the exemptions are yet to take effect. The government should therefore make it a priority to implement these exemptions as quickly as possible if they want us to produce food at low costs for our people" said Bismarck Nortey, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana.

The Road Ahead: Safeguarding Progress

The fight is not over yet. While this is a major win, challenges remain in Ghana's agricultural sector. The TAP project will continue to monitor the implementation of the tax exemptions and advocate for continued support for smallholder farmers, especially as elections approach. They plan to build even stronger alliances and keep the pressure on policymakers to ensure these positive changes stick.

This success story is a beacon of hope for Ghana's agricultural sector. It demonstrates the power of collaborative, evidence-based advocacy in driving positive change. As Ghana navigates economic challenges, these efforts inspire progress and resilience for a brighter future.