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The government has launched a new agricultural strategy called “Feed Ghana Programme.”
The Feed Ghana Programme is a transformative agriculture initiative aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector for a sustainable future. It was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama in Techiman within the Bono East Region.
Government’s commitment to increasing local agricultural production, creating job opportunities, and reducing the nation’s reliance on food imports propelled the unveiling of this initiative.
Notably, “Feed Ghana Programme” is designed to tackle several pressing issues facing Ghana’s agricultural sector, including high importation costs that exceed $2 billion annually.
President John Mahama emphasized the need of boosting self-reliance to stabilize Ghana’s economy and mitigate the risks associated with external market fluctuations.
Key Components of The Feed Ghana Programme
Specific crops of focus include maize, rice, soya beans, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The initiative also prioritizes a range of high-value industrial crops including cocoa, mango, rubber, coconut, shea, coffee, cashew, oil palm, ginger, and cotton. In addition, it places strong emphasis on strengthening the livestock sector, with a focus on poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, and pig farming.
By enhancing local food production, it aims not only to meet domestic needs but also to position Ghana as one of the largest exporters in the world when it comes to Agriculture produce.
President Mahama noted that persistent challenges—like poor infrastructure, limited access to funding, and outdated farming methods—have slowed progress in Ghana’s agricultural sector. The new initiative, he explained, aims to boost local production of raw materials for animal feed and ensure a steady supply of agricultural inputs for industrial use.
Moreover, the government pointed to the need for modernization, value chain improvements, and a stronger connection between small-holder and commercial farmers.
The government of Ghana plans to establish farmers’ service centers and create farm banks to support local farmers by providing the needed resources, training, and market access.
President Mahama’s vision is to place agriculture at the heart of Ghana’s economic strategy, making sure it becomes a primary driver of economic growth.
Main Goals and Objectives Of Feed Ghana Programme
The key objectives of the Feed Ghana Programme include:
1. Enhancing food security
2. Alleviating poverty among farmers
3. Attracting youth and women into agriculture as means of employment
4. Stabilizing food prices
5. Provide raw materials to feed agro-processing factories
Feed Ghana Programme’s Special Focus on Poultry Industry
In addition, livestock production, particularly poultry, will receive massive attention, with plans to reduce the $400 million spent on chicken imports annually.
President John Mahama highlighted a comprehensive Poultry Industry Revitalisation Programme aimed at addressing Ghana’s dependency on imported chicken.
As part of the programme, 50 anchor farmers will receive support to raise four million birds, producing an estimated 10,000 metric tonnes of chicken to help meet local demand. Also encouraging 55,000 households to produce chickens.
Feed Ghana Programme’s Special Focus on Palm Oil
Furthermore, a new National Palm Oil Industry policy will be enacted to enhance production and establishment of commercial plantations, which is expected to accelerate Ghana’s competitiveness in the global palm oil market.
With this, he revealed that the government plans to establish agro-processing zones equipped with essential infrastructure such as irrigation systems, roads, electricity, and storage facilities.
Feed Ghana Programme’s Call to Action
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, urged Ghanaians to embrace the Feed Ghana Programme initiative as an important step towards self-sufficiency in food production.
He explained that Ghana spends a massive amount of money importing tomatoes and onions from neighbouring countries such Burkina Faso and Niger, along with other staples like pepper, maize, and rice from abroad, despite having the potential to produce these crops in abundance locally.
Emphasizing the nation’s agricultural potential, Mr. Eric Opoku noted that Ghana’s fertile lands and abundant water sources can fulfill local consumption needs and support agro-industrial growth.
The Bono East Region was chosen for the launch due to its status as a significant food-producing area, showcasing the incredible potential the region holds for agricultural development in Ghana.
