In the heart of the Upper West Region’s Funsi District lies the ancient farming community of Viisey, a land once renowned for its fertile soil and agricultural prowess. However, years of war and migration have left this once-thriving town in a state of neglect, with its people crying out for basic necessities.
Despite the rich agricultural potential, Viisey’s farmers struggle to make ends meet, producing groundnuts, shea butter, and livestock with limited access to essential services. The community’s pleas for electricity, roads, and a clinic have fallen on deaf ears. The lack of medical facilities is particularly dire, with sick farmers being transported on motorbikes or tricycles for hours to reach the nearest hospital, often resulting in tragic losses.
The absence of opportunities has led to a mass exodus of the youth to urban areas and mining sites, leaving behind a skeletal population of women and elderly individuals. The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana’s recent visit to Viisey has reignited the community’s hopes, with Farmer General Nana Oboadie pledging to take their concerns to the government.
The rampant destruction of fertile lands by galamsey activities in the south has caught the attention of the government, and Farmer General Nana Oboadie emphasizes that addressing the plight of Viisey is crucial to winning the fight against galamsey. Citing the President’s speech at the United Nations Assembly, where he highlighted Africa’s potential, Farmer General Nana Oboadie noted that the next face of Ghana’s agriculture is Viisey.
The chief of Viisey, Naa Alhaji Ganiu Abdulai III, has echoed this call, appealing to the government to provide electricity and a clinic to attract investors and stem the tide of migration. As the community continues to wait for meaningful development, the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana urges the government to prioritize Viisey’s development and unlock the potential of its fertile lands to feed the nation.
