Authorities of Ghana�s leading maize production consortium, Masara N� Arziki have served notice of withdrawing their services if the various district assemblies in their operational zones do not stop over taxing their members.
They are unhappy with the exorbitant taxes levied on Masara N� Arziki members farm produce per bag especially in the Sissala West and East districts of the Upper West Region.
They insists the high taxes if not revised downwards will curtail Masara N� Arziki�s quest to ambitiously extend its agribusiness in Northern Ghana to produce enough maize to feed the nation and for export.
It is documented that MAFA paid GHC302,799,18 as taxation levy for withholding tax and on rent whilst GHC250, 000, 00 was paid to the district assemblies in the Tumu zone for the same purpose.
In view of government�s withdrawal of fertilizer subsidy, the association stepped in to cushion its repercussions on its members under the MAFA project.
Whilst a bag of fertilizer is sold between GHC100, 00 and GHC110, 00 in the open market, Masara N� Arziki has reduced the prices to GHC85, 00. For its members.
Analyzing the situation, MAFA has realized that the high cost of fertilizer in the open markets has compelled most rural farmers to decrease their farm sizes.
Under its MAFA project, the association targets at accomplishing sustainability in food security and empowerment of its members to improve their living conditions.
During the 2012/2013 farming season, MAFA members produced 40, 000 tons of maize which was pegged at 39% as food supplement to reduce the nation�s maize deficit.
MAFA members continue enjoy easy access to affordable credit in the form of high quality inputs, guaranteed markets, group marketing and better prices for their farm produce.
The association also delivers the consignment to its members on time n line with its MAFA project.
Available records indicate that MAFA members throughout Northern Ghana can now boast of decent accommodation and improved living conditions.
Job security
Currently, the association can boast of 125 working staff and over thousand employees for auxiliary duties.
For haulage services, records show that loading boys used for the last assignment received GHC 192,000, 00.
Transporters who were engaged in carting Masara members produce from their farmlands to the designated warehouses received over GHC4, 493, 264, 22 for the last farming season.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Masara N� Arziki farmers Association has over the years undertaken various projects in deprived communities in the areas of education, health and improved agriculture.
The association is noted for its habitual contribution to the organization of the districts and regional Farmers Day Celebrations in its operational zones.
Again, the association has been dolling out $100 Dollars to groups who solicit support from Masara for research purposes.
History
Masara N� Arziki was established almost a decade ago with the concept of lending support to small and medium scale holder farmers to adopt good agricultural practices.
Masara N� Arziki�s achievements are visible in its catchment areas in Northern Ghana.
Masara N�Arziki (meaning �Maize for Prosperity�) is headquartered in the Northern Regional capital Tamale but is widely represented in the Upper East and Upper West Regions.
Although the operations of Masara N� Arziki have led to an increase in maize production over the years, Ghana unfortunately still has a maize supply deficit.
Masara N� Arziki has over the years supported maize farmers to maximize their profit by means of improved technology.
It also supplies subsidized fertilizer, hybrid seeds, herbicides, insecticides, spraying equipment and builds the capacity of its members on innovative farming practices.
Currently, the association is recognized as the biggest maize farmers� association in West Africa.
It was adjudged the best professional services and trade organization in the North at the just ended Northern Ghana Business and Investment Fair.
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