In a resounding victory at the 8th Annual Congress of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Brofoyedru, Kumasi, Reverend Banmarigu John Simon was elected as the National Youth Organizer of the association.
Rev. Simon secured a commanding lead, polling 105 out of 136 valid votes, against his contender who managed 30 votes — a result that signaled strong confidence in his leadership and vision for youth in agriculture.
Delivering his victory speech to the media, Rev. Simon expressed deep appreciation to the delegates for the trust placed in him. “This is not my victory alone,” he said. “It is a victory for the youth of Ghana, and together we shall rise to make agriculture visible, vibrant, and valuable once more.”
Rev. Simon lamented the long period of dormancy in the youth wing of GNAFF, which he said had been inactive for the past 16 years. He pledged to change the narrative by revitalizing youth participation in agriculture across all 16 regions. His first steps, he announced, would include installing signage and billboards to improve GNAFF’s visibility and brand presence throughout the country.
As part of his strategic plan, he intends to initiate a nationwide mass registration drive, targeting young farmers, fishermen, poultry farmers, and cash crop producers at the regional and district levels. He emphasized that agriculture must become an attractive livelihood, particularly in the northern parts of the country where irrigation farming can offer hope and opportunity to the youth.
“I want our young people to stop seeing unemployment as a trap. Instead, they should see agriculture as a tool for empowerment,” Rev. Simon remarked.
Beyond advocacy, he envisions convening a national stakeholders forum involving traditional leaders, district assemblies, youth groups, farmers, and herders. The goal, he said, is to craft a roadmap for sustainable and attractive farming practices that benefit both communities and the national economy.
Rev. Simon also acknowledged the critical challenges faced by young farmers, particularly in accessing farm inputs, implements, and capital. He pledged that GNAFF, under his leadership, would partner with the government and relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to the right tools, equipment, and funding support for the youth.
“We cannot talk about transforming agriculture without empowering those who will inherit it — the youth. My leadership will work hand-in-hand with government and development partners to ensure that the next generation of Ghanaian farmers are equipped, motivated, and successful,” he affirmed.
A man of both spiritual and academic discipline, Rev. Simon brings to the role a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience. He holds a Diploma in Accounting from Tamale Technical University, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from GIMPA, an MPhil from Sunyani CCOD University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Theological Finance at the Kingdom Bible Institute. He is also a certified consultant.
His election signals a new era of dynamism and purpose for GNAFF’s youth front, and with his blend of vision, faith, and practical strategy, Rev. Banmarigu John Simon is poised to inspire a new generation of farmers and fisherfolk to reclaim their place at the heart of Ghana’s development.
