Techiman, Bono East Region – April 12, 2025– His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, today launched the much-anticipated 'Feed Ghana Programme' (FGP) during a ceremony in Techiman, marking a significant stride towards enhancing food security and propelling economic transformation through agriculture.
In his keynote address, President Mahama underscored the crucial need for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s agricultural sector. He indicated that while the nation is endowed with fertile land and extensive resources, persistent challenges such as low productivity, inadequate extension services, and poor market linkages still hinder growth.
“Ghana's annual food import bill stands at a staggering $2 billion, signaling an urgent need for a bold and collective response to revolutionize our agricultural framework,” he stated, calling for a unified effort across all sectors.
The 'Feed Ghana Programme' is the flagship initiative of the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). Aimed at modernizing agriculture, the FGP seeks to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and foster agro-industrial development.
Highlights of the programme include prioritizing key agricultural commodities—such as maize, rice, and cocoa—as well as implementing targeted interventions to promote smart farming practices across the country. The introduction of Farmers’ Service Centres, aimed at providing mechanization services and technical support, is one of the cornerstone strategies set to empower local farmers.
President Mahama also announced an initiative to boost local vegetable production, curbing high import rates by promoting urban agriculture, while educational institutions will be encouraged to engage in agricultural activities to instill a value for farming among students.
"The time has come for us to treat agriculture not as a footnote but as the engine of national economic transformation,” the President declared, evoking a spirit of urgency and collaboration among stakeholders.
The launch also included commitments to enhancing the poultry industry through the 'Nkoko Nketenkete' project, aimed at reducing the country's dependency on imported chicken, alongside initiatives for livestock and tree crop development which will enhance local production capacities.
To further bolster agricultural productivity, the government will establish agro-production enclaves with the necessary infrastructure to attract private investments. Furthermore, innovative financing mechanisms, including revising the mandates of financial institutions, will be introduced to enable access to capital for farmers and agri-businesses.
In a show of unity, various stakeholders—including members of the Council of State, government officials, farmers, and representatives from the private sector—attended the launch, illustrating a collective commitment to achieving food security in Ghana.
“We are ready to engage in frank and open dialogue with all stakeholders to chart a sustainable path for Ghana's agricultural transformation. Together, we will ensure food and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” President Mahama concluded, officially declaring the 'Feed Ghana Programme' launched.
The ambitious programme is seen as timely, especially given the changing global trade dynamics and the growing demand for food security amidst rising inflation rates. As Ghana embarks on this transformative journey, the world watches closely to see how this initiative will redefine the country's agricultural landscape and support its farmers moving forward.