Agric Minister launches Feed Ghana Program to boost Food Security

The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has officially launched the “Feed Ghana Programme (FGP)”, a flagship initiative aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector, improving food security, and reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, announced the programme’s rollout at a press briefing held on April 3, 2025 at the Ministry’s conference room.

“The launch of the Feed Ghana Programme marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to transform the agricultural sector. Ghana’s food security and economic stability depend on a robust agricultural system that can support our population and reduce our overreliance on imports,” said the Minister.

The official national launch of the programme will be led by President John Dramani Mahama on April 11, 2025 at Techiman, Bono East Region.

According to the minister, Ghana faces significant agricultural challenges that threaten food security and economic stability.

The country spends over $2 billion annually on food imports, with poultry alone accounting for $300 million. This dependence on external markets makes Ghana vulnerable to global price fluctuations, inflation, and foreign exchange instability.

Despite having abundant agricultural resources, local farmers struggle with inefficiencies, limited access to modern farming tools, and weak infrastructure.

Smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural workforce face hurdles such as lack of mechanisation, financing difficulties and post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities.

In response, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has introduced the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which aims to drive agricultural growth and modernisation.

The Feed Ghana Programme will be the cornerstone of this initiative, addressing critical gaps and ensuring food security while boosting agribusiness development.

Key Initiatives under the Feed Ghana Programme:

1. Advancement of SMART Agriculture

• Launch Farmers’ Service Centres across the country to deliver essential support services, including training, technical guidance, and market access.
• Establish Farm Banks within agricultural zones to facilitate land access and irrigation services, primarily aimed at young entrepreneurs and farmers.

2. Grains and Legumes Development Initiative

• Promote vital grains and legumes such as maize, rice, sorghum, and soyabean for consumption, agro-industry, and export opportunities. This includes enhancing access to high-quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, as well as storage and processing infrastructures.

3. Vegetable Development Project (Y?REDUA)

• Implement controlled environment farming through greenhouses to enhance the production of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other vegetables.
• Create sustainable, ready-to-cultivate spaces equipped with irrigation systems for open-field cultivation.
• Offer technical assistance to urban and peri-urban vegetable farmers and advocate for home, school, and community gardening programs.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture will coordinate with other ministries, agencies, and the private sector to ensure the success of the programme. A National Oversight Committee will be established to provide strategic direction, while a Technical Implementation Committee will oversee execution.

“The government is fully committed to supporting this initiative, but we cannot do it alone. We need the active participation of all stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and development partners,” the Minister noted.

As part of the programme rollout, MoFA will engage with key stakeholders, develop detailed programme guidelines, and set up implementation structures nationwide.

“We have the potential to be self-sufficient in food production. Now is the time to harness our agricultural resources, invest in our farmers, and build a resilient food system that benefits all Ghanaians,” he stated.

 

 

 

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