The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has introduced an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating agricultural development in Ghana.
This initiative, referred to as the “Feed Ghana Programme,” is designed to enhance agricultural output to ensure that Ghanaians are well-fed, supply raw materials for agro-industries, and generate employment opportunities. Its overarching objectives include achieving food security, reducing poverty, and stabilizing food prices.
The programme will implement farmers’ service centres, establish farm banks, encourage crop cultivation, support urban agriculture, rejuvenate the poultry sector, and enhance local raw material production.
These initiatives are intended to create sustainable job opportunities while empowering youth and women.
“The main objective of the Feed Ghana Programme is clear: to transform the agricultural sector in Ghana, decrease our reliance on imports, and enhance both local production and exports. We strive to ensure food security and improve nutritional standards while fostering sustainable employment and empowering our youth and women,” stated Mr. Opoku.
Focus Areas
Mr. Opoku emphasized that the programme will concentrate on various agricultural development strategies, including the adoption of innovative farming practices, the cultivation of essential crops like soybeans, support for urban and peri-urban vegetable growers, and the revitalization of the poultry industry.
A significant aspect of the initiative is the Poultry Industry Revitalization Programme, which aims to boost poultry production in partnership with the Poultry Farmers’ Association. This project will offer incentives to encourage household poultry farming and increase domestic consumption.
Additionally, under the “Feed the Industry” initiative, the programme will strive to enhance local raw material production for animal feed manufacturing, ensuring a consistent supply of agricultural products for industrial applications.
National Oil Palm Industry Policy
Mr. Opoku has introduced a national policy for the oil palm industry designed to provide incentives that will enhance palm oil production and strengthen the value chain. This initiative seeks to mitigate Ghana’s consumption shortfall, encourage the establishment of commercial plantations, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the global palm oil market.
Addressing Food Import Dependency
The minister emphasized the importance of this program in light of Ghana’s heavy dependence on food imports, which currently surpass $2 billion each year. This reliance presents considerable risks to economic stability, with food imports alone accounting for approximately $300 million, thereby exposing the nation to fluctuations in external markets and currency instability.
Mr. Opoku also highlighted ongoing challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited access to financing, and outdated farming practices that continue to impede the advancement of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The Feed Ghana Programme is designed to tackle these issues and aims to transform the agricultural sector into a more self-reliant and sustainable industry.
