In his keynote speech during the ceremony in Techimen on April 12, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the fundamental need for a paradigm shift in the Ghanaian agricultural sector. He said that although the nation is blessed with fertile land and vast resources, persistent challenges such as low productivity, inadequate downstream services and poor market connectivity continue to hinder growth. “Ghana’s annual food import bill stands at a staggering US$2 billion, signaling the urgent need for a bold and collective response and a fundamental shift in our agriculture,” he said, calling for a united effort across all sectors. Poultry imports alone cost around US$300 million. This dependence on foreign markets leaves Ghana vulnerable to global price fluctuations and contributes to food inflation, leading to economic hardship for many families. Despite Ghana’s rich agricultural potential, smallholder farmers face a number of obstacles including production inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and lack of mechanization. The problem is post-harvest losses resulting from inadequate storage and processing facilities, poor transport networks and weak market integration.

The Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) is a flagship initiative of the wider Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). The FGP focuses on modernising agriculture and seeks to create jobs, reduce food inflation and promote agro-industrial development.

The programme’s main thrusts include prioritising key agricultural commodities such as maize, rice and cocoa, as well as implementing targeted interventions to promote smart farming practices across the country. The establishment of Farmer Service Centres, focused on providing mechanisation services and technical support, is one of the key strategies to empower local farmers.

President Mahama also announced an initiative to promote local vegetable production, curb high import tariffs by supporting urban agriculture, while educational institutions will be encouraged to engage in agricultural activities to instill in students the value of agriculture as a high-potential field.

The poultry industry is to be strengthened through the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported chicken meat, along with livestock and tree crop development initiatives that will enhance local production capacities.

To further enhance agricultural productivity, the government will establish agro-production enclaves with the necessary infrastructure to attract private investment. In addition, innovative financing mechanisms will be introduced, including a review of the mandates of financial institutions, to enable farmers and agribusinesses to access capital.

"We are ready to engage in a frank and open dialogue with all stakeholders and actors to chart a sustainable path for the transformation of agriculture in Ghana. Together, we will ensure food and prosperity for all Ghanaians," concluded President Mahama, officially declaring the 'Feed Ghana Programme' launched.

The ambitious programme is considered timely, especially in light of the changing dynamics of global trade and the growing demand for food security amid rising inflation. As Ghana embarks on this transformational journey, the world is watching closely to see how this initiative will redefine the country's agricultural landscape and support its farmers moving forward.

All of the above represents a major opportunity for Czech companies and investors. Supplies of agricultural machinery and technologies covering all phases of agricultural production, both crop and livestock, modern processing technologies and related professional training for both operation and maintenance of these machines, vocational education, supplies of quality seeds, feed, fertilizers, veterinary drugs and pesticides are in great demand, and Czech manufacturers, suppliers and investors in Ghana can fully realize their potential and, thanks to the good relations so far and the success of the recent visit of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, to Accra, are expected with open arms.

 

 

Written by: Mgr. Beata Matusiková, MBA, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ghana

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