The logical response of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the leadership of Dr. Bryan Acheampong has been to undertake a diagnosis of the programme and projects under the Ministry. This action was to ensure a fuller understanding and appreciation of issues to inform the appropriate course of action for tackling the problems identified, and for enhancing implementation of the programmes to address the food security needs of Ghana.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, on assumption of office on 4th April 2023, has initiated and implemented key strategic measures to boost performance and unlock the potential of the sector, Speaking on Peace Fm, Kokrokoo with the Chairman General, Kwame Safakyi, Dr. Bryan indicated that, in just four months, Ghana’s agricultural sector has undergone a remarkable transformation. Notable among these achievements are:

Development of the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0). A game-changer for Ghana’s agriculture.  MoFA has developed and secured cabinet approval for the PFJ 2.0, a 5-year programme that will revolutionize the agricultural sector by shifting from the current input subsidy to smallholder farmers to a more inclusive input credit system within an effective value chain structure. The PFJ 2.0 will foster import substitution, stabilize food prices, boost export, lower entry barriers, and create jobs.

• Reviving the cocoa subsector: A turnaround strategy for COCOBOD. A strategy for the cocoa subsector has been developed with the goal of restoring COCOBOD’s financial health from the current state of losses to a path of profitability. The strategy focuses on reforms to strengthen institutional structures, review the mechanism of producer pricing, re-invigorate recent prudent measures, and to reduce and rationalize expenditures. This strategy will ensure a turnaround for COCOBOD in two years and pay farmers remunerative prices for cocoa.
• Developing the Affram plains irrigation project: A lifeline for all-year-round production. MoFA has initiated the development of irrigation infrastructure to support all-year-round production of vegetables and cereals in the Affram plains. This project will enhance water availability, crop diversification, and resilience to climate change in the area.
• Paying arrears for suppliers of NAFCO and PFJ inputs:  MoFA has facilitated payment of arrears for suppliers of NAFCO and PFJ inputs. This gesture demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to honour its obligations and maintain good relations with its partners.

In the discussion, Dr. Bryan said, he is looking forward to an agriculture sector that will be embraced by all through a Ghanaian collective effort devoid of a view from a political spectacle. He said ultimately, he wants to ensure a sustainable national food security, self-sufficiency, and a thriving agri-business. These he said will be achieved through rolling out the PFJ 2.0 strategy for 11 targeted commodities to increase production for local consumption, export and establishing an agricultural enclave especially for youth and women.