The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural mechanisation and improving food security across the country, particularly in Northern Ghana.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of about 230 individuals trained by the World Food Programme (WFP) in the fabrication of agricultural equipment in the Savelugu area, the Minister said the initiative forms part of broader national efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and combat hunger.
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Hon. Opoku noted that the training programme is strategically designed to build local capacity in the production and maintenance of agricultural machinery, which is expected to improve farmers’ access to essential equipment and support sustainable food production.
He disclosed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, government is prioritising agricultural mechanisation through the implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme. As part of the initiative, government plans to establish 50 Farming Service Centres across 270 districts nationwide to provide farmers with easier access to modern agricultural machinery and services.
The Minister further revealed that government has commenced Phase One of the mechanisation programme with the importation of 660 tractors aimed at boosting farm productivity and reducing reliance on manual farming methods.
In addition, Hon. Opoku announced that feasibility studies are underway for the construction of 1,000 kilometres of agricultural roads across farming communities. He explained that the road infrastructure project is expected to improve the transportation of farm produce, minimise post-harvest losses and ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Touching on irrigation development, the Minister indicated that Ghana has secured €47 million to expand irrigation infrastructure. The funding will support the construction of 10 new dams, rehabilitation of eight existing dams, and the development of 250 solar-powered boreholes. He added that the irrigation projects will particularly focus on empowering women engaged in tomato farming and other agricultural activities.
Hon. Opoku also disclosed that the National Buffer Stock Company has received an additional GH¢200 million to purchase surplus farm produce from farmers, a move aimed at stabilising food supply and strengthening national food security.
He acknowledged the crucial role traditional authorities continue to play in advancing government’s agricultural agenda, especially their support for the Feed Ghana Programme. The Minister assured traditional leaders of government’s commitment to ensuring consistent supply of fertilisers to support farming activities, following their earlier pledge to release lands for agricultural production.
The government, he emphasised, remains determined to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector through strategic investments, mechanisation and infrastructure development to ensure sustainable food production and economic growth.
