Holistic agricultural approach: Emphasis on youth empowerment, rural development

In a bold assertion emphasising the importance of agriculture to national transformation, President John Dramani Mahama has stated, “We cannot even think about transforming Ghana if we don’t put the right focus on agriculture.

We cannot succeed at anything if we do not first put food on the table at an affordable cost for our people. Agriculture is the cornerstone of growth.”

President Mahama’s remarks come as the nation grapples with the intricate challenges facing its agricultural sector, which has long been the backbone of Ghana's economy and a primary source of employment for millions of citizens. 

Despite numerous agricultural policies introduced since the country's independence 68 years ago, including Operation Feed Yourself and various support initiatives for smallholder farmers, there remains a pressing need for a renewed focus on effective agricultural policies and modern practices to ensure food security.

The challenges to food security in Ghana are multifaceted, stemming from climate change impacts, illegal mining activities and rising input costs.

These issues have compounded food inflation and created a substantial burden on the nation.

Addressing the root causes of these challenges involves significant investments in modernising agricultural practices and enhancing value chains, which are critical to alleviating food insecurity.

In light of these challenges, the recent appointment of Eric Opoku as Minister of Food and Agriculture has brought renewed hope for reform in this vital sector.

As a ranking member of the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee in the Eighth Parliament, he is well-positioned to spearhead efforts aimed at revitalising Ghana’s agriculture.

His vision aligns with President Mahama's call for a holistic agricultural approach that emphasises youth empowerment and rural development.

Key initiatives

At a recent stakeholder meeting, Mr Opoku unveiled the "Feed Ghana Agenda", underlining the government's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

This comprehensive programme aims to implement several key initiatives, starting with the establishment of farmer service centres across districts and providing access to modern tools and technologies to boost local food production.

Irrigation development

Eight regions have been designated in a government initiative called “Irrigation for Wealth Creation,” set to launch over the next year.

Regional Ministers from Volta, Oti, Central, North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper West and Upper East regions have been assigned to spearhead this initiative and will engage with local stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

Vegetable development project

The government is launching the Vegetable Development Project, called ‘YƐREDUA,’ to increase local vegetable production.

This initiative will focus on growing key vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and peppers through strategies like building greenhouses, providing infrastructure for controlled farming and designating spaces for irrigated open-field cultivation.

It will also offer technical support to urban and peri-urban farmers and promote gardening in homes, schools and communities.

Revamping poultry sector

The poultry industry, currently encountering considerable challenges, will benefit from significant revitalisation efforts that include incentives for farmers and the promotion of local consumption in line with the ‘Made in Ghana’ initiative.

An accompanying initiative, the ‘Poultry Farm to Table’ Project, will be introduced to boost poultry production.

Simultaneously, a Livestock Development Project will aim to enhance meat and dairy production, specifically targeting cattle, pigs and small ruminants.

Feed industry programme

To enhance the agricultural supply chain, a ‘Feed Industry Programme’ will be launched to increase the production of local raw materials.

This initiative aims to secure a steady and adequate supply of agricultural products for industrial applications.

Additionally, the reinstatement of free fertiliser distribution, combined with better seedlings and agro-inputs for cocoa farmers, is anticipated to significantly improve their yields.

The 'Youth in Cocoa Farming' project aims to empower young individuals in agriculture by establishing a support system focused on partnerships with cocoa farm owners to rejuvenate abandoned farms.

It will also prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers through measures such as reintroducing the Cocoa Price Stabilisation Fund.

Additionally, the initiative includes plans to boost cotton production in the northern regions, promote the cultivation of key crops like cashew and rubber and enhance support for cooperative farming.

The government will also reinstate a fertiliser subsidy programme to increase food production and alleviate inflation-related pressures.

Call to action

Through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), the government aims to tackle the barriers to agriculture and promote agri-business to alleviate food inflation and ensure food security.  

To this end, the sector minister has urged public institutions to contribute to these efforts and foster a culture of farming practices for self-sufficiency.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Ghana's agricultural landscape, ensuring food security for all and paving the way for sustained economic growth.

As President Mahama aptly noted, “Transforming Ghana is unthinkable without prioritising agriculture.”

The writer is the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Writer’s email: bagbara@gmail.com