President John Dramani Mahama has stated that his government will implement strategic policies to transform the agricultural sector, modernize agribusiness, and ensure food security.
Delivering the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, he emphasized that these initiatives will boost food production, lower food inflation, and create sustainable jobs.
As part of the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda he stressed that his government will introduce the Grain Development Project, focusing on increasing the production of rice, maize, and soybeans. Additionally, the Vegetable Development Project will prioritize the cultivation of tomatoes, onions, and peppers to reduce import dependency.
Mr. Mahama highlighted the urgent need to address Ghana’s reliance on poultry imports, which currently accounts for 95% of local consumption, costing over $300 million annually. To reverse this trend, he said his government plans to invest in feed mills, processing.
A key component of this strategy is the “nkoko nkitikiti” Project, which will cover 55,000 households, ensuring a steady supply of eggs and fresh poultry for the market. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the country’s expenditure on imported chicken.
To further integrate agriculture with industry, the government will introduce the Agrinex Program, facilitating access to land banks for young farmers and connecting graduates to opportunities in the agricultural value chain. This program will also promote greenhouse agriculture, benefiting approximately 30,000 young people.
Additionally, the Livestock Development Project will focus on restocking breeding farms and increasing local livestock production to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported meat while creating jobs and boosting domestic resources.
President Mahama reiterated his commitment to ensuring a stable power supply to support agro-processing and enhance exports, ultimately reducing foreign exchange pressures and
strengthening the economy.
By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
