Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced the official launch of the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), a new flagship initiative aimed at achieving national food self-sufficiency, reducing import dependence and creating jobs for youth and women.
Speaking at the 2025 World Food Day celebration held at the forecourt of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Thursday, Mr. Opoku said the programme marks a “major milestone in Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.”
The event also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), celebrated under the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
“The Feed Ghana Programme is designed to accelerate productivity, strengthen value chains, reduce import dependency, and ensure sustainable food and nutrition security,” the Minister said.
He explained that government will prioritise value chains such as cereals, legumes, vegetables, tree crops, and livestock sectors with strong potential to enhance food security and generate employment.
Mr. Eric Opoku highlighted several interventions under the programme, including the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres in all regions to provide mechanisation services, inputs and training.
He also disclosed that 350,000 smallholder farmers have already received support in the form of improved seeds, fertilizers and irrigation facilities.
In the poultry sector, he said over 7 million birds are being produced annually through initiatives such as the Poultry Farmer-to-Table Project and the NkokoNketenkete Backyard Poultry Programme, with a focus on women and youth empowerment.
The Minister commended FAO, WFP, UNDP and private sector partners for their role in advancing Ghana’s agricultural agenda and reaffirmed government’s commitment to align the Feed Ghana Programme with FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emilia Arthur, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting sustainability and resilience in Ghana’s fisheries sector, as part of efforts to achieve food and nutrition security.
Delivering a speech on her behalf at the 2025 World Food Day celebration in Accra, the Minister announced that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region to safeguard marine ecosystems.
She highlighted the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) and the development of a National Blue Economy Strategy as major milestones toward responsible fisheries management.
Emelia Arthur noted that the sector supports over 3 million livelihoods and provides 60% of Ghana’s animal protein intake, making it vital to national food security.
The minister urged all stakeholders to work “hand in hand” to build a fisheries system that nourishes people, protects ecosystems, and ensures a sustainable future.
Dr. Nicole Karn, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative to Ghana, said the milestone marks “eight decades of partnership, progress and purpose.”
She highlighted FAO’s global achievements, including the eradication of rinderpest, the first animal disease eliminated worldwide and the establishment of international food safety standards.
Dr. Karn noted that while progress has been made, millions still go hungry amid climate challenges and high production costs.
She said FAO is working closely with Ghana’s Ministries of Food and Agriculture and Fisheries to promote sustainable cocoa agroforestry, fisheries development, and climate-smart agriculture.
“As FAO turns 80, we reaffirm our pledge to work hand in hand for better food, a better planet, and a better future for all,” she said.
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