Agriculture & Economy
Ghana Sets Course for Agricultural Revolution
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, has projected that the nation will achieve food self-sufficiency by next year. This ambitious goal is backed by a series of strategic government measures aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector.
Recently, the Minister visited the Agrifest exhibition, a significant event highlighting agriculture and food innovations. This five-day showcase has become a symbol of Ghana’s dedication towards supporting its food sufficiency agenda.
Government’s Commitment to Agriculture
The government’s focus on agriculture is evident in its goal to escalate sector growth from 6.3% in the previous year. This endeavor aims to eliminate the need for food imports, potentially saving around US$2 billion in imports of poultry, rice, and other staples.
In a decisive move to strengthen agriculture, the Ministry of Finance has allocated GHc1 billion in the 2024 budget. Additionally, the Development Bank of Ghana is expected to contribute another GHc2 billion. To bolster this effort, the government has also injected GHc10 billion into commercial banks through the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), ensuring substantial financial support for agricultural initiatives.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, the Minister lauded the Asian African Consortium (AAC) at Agrifest for revolutionizing Ghana’s rice sub-sector. AAC plays a pivotal role in providing technical and machinery support to smallholder farmers, which is vital in overcoming financial challenges. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong, CEO of AAC, highlighted the significance of their machinery in enhancing pre-farming activities such as land development and irrigation.
National Farmers’ Day and Agrifest Ghana 2023
Coinciding with the 39th National Farmers’ Day, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture unveiled Agrifest Ghana 2023. This agricultural fair, part of the Planting for Food and Jobs program’s second phase, aims to increase awareness about diverse food items and their sources while celebrating the farmers’ contributions to national success.
Ghana’s journey towards agricultural self-reliance marks a significant milestone in its economic development. With the government’s unwavering support and innovative initiatives, the future of Ghana’s agriculture looks promising, paving the way for a self-sufficient and prosperous nation.
