Civil society organization Arise Ghana has urged the government to establish stronger systems to sustain its agricultural reforms. The group emphasized the need for these measures to ensure the reforms continue effectively beyond the current administration.
Arise Ghana’s assessment identified positive outcomes from initiatives under the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku. These reforms are crucial for Ghana’s food security, employment, and industrial development. The organization highlighted the Feed Ghana Programme and significant investments in irrigation as key successes.
Ghana’s agriculture sector remains vital for economic stability and reducing reliance on imports. The country spends about $320 million annually on rice imports, a figure the Ejapa rice seed initiative aims to cut. Past agricultural initiatives have often suffered from a lack of continuity across different political administrations.
Arise Ghana made its assessment at a press conference on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The theme was “Agriculture Policy Reforms: What Ghanaians Must Know.” The group commended Minister Eric Opoku for prioritizing agricultural transformation on the national agenda.
The call for stronger systems implies a need for legislative backing and reliable financing mechanisms. Decision-makers will likely consider these recommendations to safeguard long-term agricultural growth. Markets and investors will watch for policy stability in this critical sector.
Arise Ghana specifically praised the Feed Ghana Programme for its broad focus across the agricultural value chain. This program includes crop production, livestock, poultry, and agro-processing. It aims to boost domestic food output and create jobs.
Under the Feed Ghana Programme, farmers have received 40,000 bags of inorganic fertilizer. They also received nearly 8,000 cartons of organic fertilizer and agricultural drones. Additionally, 506 Feed Ghana Brigadiers were trained to provide technical support and strengthen extension services.
The program expanded support for poultry and smallholder production. It distributed 500,000 Kuroiler birds to smallholder farmers, including women and single mothers. This intervention aims to improve household nutrition and livelihoods.
Government is also investing in seed and fertilizer reforms. This includes seed-testing equipment, soil laboratories, and nationwide soil sampling. The rehabilitation of the national soil laboratory in Kumasi supports soil-specific fertilizer application.
The Ejapa rice seed initiative is expected to produce more than 10,000 tonnes of seed by 2027. This initiative directly addresses Ghana’s dependence on imported rice. Reducing imports can save significant foreign exchange for the country.
Irrigation expansion is another critical area of reform. Ten new dams are under construction, and eight others are being rehabilitated. Furthermore, 250 solar-powered boreholes have been installed. Major irrigation schemes at Vea, Weta, and Ashaiman are also undergoing refurbishment.
Two irrigation schemes at Afram Plains-Kunadu were initiated to support farming on 900 hectares of land. Expanding irrigation allows for year-round production. It also reduces farmers’ exposure to climate-related risks and ensures consistent supplies for agro-processing industries.
The government’s mechanization drive has procured over 4,000 units of machinery. These include tractors and combine harvesters. Fifty Farmer Service Centres are planned, with the first initiated at Takoratwene. These centers will provide essential services to farmers.
Plans to construct 1,000 kilometers of farm roads will improve market access. This initiative will also help reduce post-harvest losses, a significant challenge for Ghanaian farmers. Efficient transport is crucial for agricultural profitability.
Efforts are also strengthening the National Food Buffer Stock Company. This company purchases surplus food during peak production. It then releases it during lean seasons, stabilizing food prices and supply. Local fabrication of 300 maize and soybean threshers by 2,231 young artisans supports this effort.
The government’s focus on increasing domestic production of tomatoes, onions, and pepper is important. Combined with the rice import quota policy, these measures aim to reduce Ghana’s overall dependence on food imports. The rice quota requires importers to partner with local producers.
Other initiatives include the Nkoko Nketenkete backyard poultry program and the YƐREDUA Vegetable Development Project. These programs aim to increase domestic food production and create jobs. They also provide opportunities for women, young people, and smallholder farmers.
Despite these positive interventions, Arise Ghana stressed the need for continuity. Ghana has seen many agricultural initiatives under successive governments. However, continuity, evaluation, and sustainability have remained recurring challenges. The group advocates for legislative support and measurable performance indicators for current reforms.