Ghana’s President John Mahama has reiterated that agriculture remains the country’s biggest opportunity to achieve economic independence and reduce over $2 billion spent annually on food imports.
Speaking at Ghana’s 68th Independence Day Celebration Parade in Accra on March 6, President Mahama outlined his government’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda aimed at boosting local agribusiness and ensuring food security.
The event, themed “Reflect, Review, and Reset”, was attended by Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete, Ghana’s Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and former Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.
Key Agricultural Policies for Economic Growth
President Mahama emphasized that the Feed Ghana programme would drive mass food production and help stabilize food prices.
Additionally, the Poultry Farm to Table initiative, also known as “Nkoko Nketenkete”, aims to reduce Ghana’s 95% dependence on imported poultry by boosting domestic production and processing.
“The success of these policies depends on active citizen participation, particularly from our young people,” President Mahama stated.
As part of this agenda, the government will:
- Train 30,000 young people in agribusiness and provide them with land and economic opportunities.
- Establish Farmer Service Centres in every district to improve access to mechanization, quality seeds, and fertilizers.
“Action Will Change Reality” – Mahama
President Mahama emphasized that while policies are essential, real change requires action from both the government and the people.
“This is a defining moment. Policies alone, no matter how well-intentioned, will not change our reality. Action will change that reality.”
He urged young Ghanaians to seize these new agricultural opportunities, declaring:
“Ghana’s economic future is in your hands.”
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