The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has encouraged unemployed youth to take up farming, describing the sector as a lucrative venture with significant economic benefits.
Addressing congregants at the dedication of the Apostle Clement Brakatu Temple of the Apostles’ Continuation Church International in Sunyani, the minister said agriculture remains one of the most profitable enterprises nationwide.
He dismissed perceptions that farming is an occupation for the poor, noting that many prominent Ghanaians are actively engaged in large-scale cultivation.
“The biggest farmer in the country today is President John Dramani Mahama. No farmer in Ghana cultivates more onions, maize and rice than he does,” Mr. Opoku stated.
He expressed concern about Ghana’s reliance on imports, revealing that the country spends more than $400 million annually on tomato imports from Burkina Faso.
“If we stop importing tomatoes, that money can be invested in factories and job creation for the youth,” he said.
The minister highlighted the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which encourages households, schools and institutions to cultivate crops to boost food security and reduce dependence on foreign produce. He added that senior high schools are being urged to grow food to support the school feeding programme.
Mr. Opoku called on the youth to take advantage of available arable land to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
