Boosting agribusiness and local food production key to Ghana’s economic recovery – Adongo

Ghana’s economic recovery will be driven by agribusiness, mechanised farming, and a deliberate push to reduce reliance on imported staple foods, says Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a board member of the Bank of Ghana.

Speaking on GHOne TV on Monday, March 3 2025, Mr Adongo said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, led by John Mahama, will prioritise modernising agriculture and investing in agribusiness to strengthen the economy.

“Agribusiness is the future. If we get it right, we will create jobs, boost food production, and improve food security,” he stated.

He noted that outdated farming practices continue to limit agricultural growth and productivity in Ghana.

To address this, he said the NDC government will establish Agricultural Mechanisation Centres across the country to provide farmers with modern equipment.

“We cannot continue using crude, slash-and-burn farming methods. We need mechanisation centres where farmers can access tractors, harvesters, and irrigation equipment at subsidised rates,” he said.

Mr Adongo also stressed the need to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported rice and maize, which costs the country millions of dollars every year.

“We will stop Ghana’s overreliance on imported rice and maize. These are crops we can grow here, and we will support our farmers to produce enough to meet domestic demand,” he said.

He added that a Mahama-led government would roll out policies to encourage large-scale farming, provide financial and technical support to farmers, and create market opportunities for local produce.

“Our goal is to transform agriculture into a profitable and competitive sector that feeds the nation, creates sustainable jobs, and strengthens the economy,” he added.