Michael Tetteh Kwetey Elected GNAFF President at 8th National Delegates Congress in Kumasi

The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) has elected a new president, Mr. Michael Tetteh Kwetey, at its 8th National Delegates Congress held on Saturday at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Brofoyedu, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Themed “Uniting Farmers and Fishermen to Feed the Nation,” the Congress brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and hundreds of delegates from all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country. The event aimed at strengthening the unity and capacity of farmers and fisherfolk to play a more pivotal role in Ghana’s food security and economic development.
In a keenly contested election, Mr. Michael Tetteh Kwetey polled 70 votes to defeat Dr. Peter K. Terkper, who garnered 66 votes out of a total of 136 valid votes cast, thereby earning the mandate to lead the Association as its National President. He was officially sworn into office along with other elected executives.
Other competitive positions saw Dr. Abutu Kapori elected as General Secretary with 76 votes, beating Ms. Dawuda Nashirata who secured 60 votes. For the role of National Youth Organiser, Rev. Simon Banmarigu triumphed with 106 votes over Mr. Emmanuel Anunyum, who received 30 votes.
Several other executive positions were unopposed and confirmed:
1st Vice President: Hon. Abraham Dwuma Odwoom
Deputy General Secretary: Mr. Israel Kuadzi
National Treasurer: Mr. Isaac Amanor
Deputy National Youth Organiser: Rev. Richard Amo
National Women Organiser: Naana Asi
Deputy National Women Organiser: Madam Claudia Martekie
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Godfred Appiah Acheampong, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of unity among farmers and fisherfolk in building a resilient and self-reliant food system. He called for the “breaking of silos” among sector players, stressing that a unified front could enable better market access, stronger policy advocacy, and increased resilience to climate and economic shocks.
He assured the association of the Ministry’s continued commitment to partnering with GNAFF to improve access to extension services, inputs, agribusiness support, mechanisation, and policy implementation. Mr. Acheampong commended GNAFF for its efforts to expand membership to five million and urged delegates to rally behind the new leadership to shape the future of Ghana’s food security.
In a solidarity message delivered on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, ACP Rev. Dr. Adane Ameyaw pledged the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to working closely with GNAFF to ensure peace and security, which are essential for the success of the government’s proposed 24-hour economy. He highlighted the strategic role farmers and fisherfolk play in maintaining national stability and economic sustainability.
Madam Margaret Frimpong Ayerakwa, representing the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of COCOBOD, praised the invaluable contributions of cocoa farmers—many of whom are members of GNAFF—to the country’s economy. She emphasized COCOBOD’s readiness to collaborate with GNAFF to implement key programmes such as the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme, producer price adjustments, and productivity enhancement initiatives.
She also expressed deep concern about the adverse effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on cocoa lands and applauded GNAFF for advocating for land reclamation. She called for concerted national action to safeguard arable lands and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Mr. Godfred Boakye, from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, also addressed the Congress. He described the gathering as a crucial platform to amplify the voices of farmers and fisherfolk, who remain the backbone of the country’s food systems and rural economies. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, improved fish stock management, and capacity building within the aquaculture sector. Mr. Boakye called on GNAFF to continue championing innovation, advocacy, and unity among its members.
In a message delivered on behalf of the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Chief Ranger Ebenezer T. Nartey, Bekwai District, described the theme of the Congress as timely and aligned with national goals of environmental sustainability. He said farmers and fishermen are custodians of Ghana’s natural resources and lauded GNAFF for its long-standing collaboration with the Forestry Commission in promoting agroforestry, responsible land use, and climate resilience. He called for deeper institutional cooperation to tackle deforestation and mitigate the impact of climate change.
In his victory speech, the newly elected President, Mr. Michael Tetteh Kwetey, thanked God and the delegates for the trust placed in him. He described his election as a renewal of hope and a reaffirmation of GNAFF’s relevance in the national development agenda.
“No society can imagine a future without farmers and fishermen,” he said, adding that GNAFF under his leadership would work collectively to improve members’ livelihoods and partner government to boost productivity and transform the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The Congress ended on a high note with renewed commitment from all stakeholders to deepen partnerships, build capacity, and ensure that Ghana’s farmers and fisherfolk remain the engine of national growth and food security.