CSIR-CRI launches Ghana Wheat Initiative to establish Domestic Wheat Production

The CSIR-Crop Research Institute has taken a bold step towards Ghana’s food security with the launch of the Ghana Wheat Initiative, an initiative led by Barima Farms with research support from CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI).

Dr Felix Frimpong, the lead Researcher of the initiative, at the launch explained that the initiative aims to establish domestic wheat production, reduce imports, and create economic opportunities for farmers.

The initiative, under the guidance of Col. Ing. Jonathan Opai-Tetteh, Advisor, Strategic Development and Barima Acheampong Sarpong II, Director, Business Development, in collaboration with the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi are pioneering a commercial social enterprise model in Kumawu that blends sustainability with economic growth.

Dr. Felix Frimpong acknowledged the late Prof. Moses Bradford Mochiah, whose leadership laid the foundation for ongoing agricultural advancements.

He expressed his profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and traditional leaders for their unwavering support and commitment to agricultural transformation.

He urged the Varietal Release Committee to fast-track approvals to accelerate production and ensure that farmers can cultivate without delay, Protecting intellectual property rights and securing fair market access remain key to attracting long-term investments.

He disclosed that their global partners, Mahindra and Mahindra and Jain Irrigation, bring cutting-edge mechanisation and irrigation solutions, while the India High Commission and ICAR continue to strengthen Ghana-India agricultural cooperation.

The lead researcher noted that beyond wheat, they recognize the contributions of Dr. Kennedy Agyeman in soybean production and Dr Michael Kwabena Osei, whose tomato project with ICAR is now in its second phase.

He stated that Barima Farms’ journey in Ghana began with the vision of KC Ezhilarasan, who saw the potential for an integrated agricultural model to transform food security and took another step toward that vision.

He reminded the stakeholders that the initiative is more than a launch and described it as a call to action towards collectively achieving wheat self-sufficiency, empower the farmers and build a stronger agricultural future for Ghana.

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