The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has launched the Ghana Agricultural Fund for Educational Transformation (GAFET). This new initiative aims to strengthen agricultural education, research, and skills development across Ghana. GAFET has already secured GHS 3.5 million in seed funding from five Ghanaian agribusinesses.
The fund plans to reach GHS 10 million by December 2026 and GHS 100 million by 2028. GAFET seeks to produce a skilled workforce for Ghana's agricultural sector. It will support the development of agricultural engineers, extension professionals, researchers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness leaders. This initiative is crucial for making Ghana’s agricultural sector more productive and competitive.
This launch signals a significant national effort to build institutions capable of transforming the agricultural sector. Ghana’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, which contributes significantly to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. Investing in agricultural education aligns with broader government strategies to modernize farming practices and achieve food security. Previous efforts have focused on mechanization and infrastructure, but this fund emphasizes human capital development.
Minister Opoku stated that GAFET is not merely another funding programme. He described it as a collective national commitment to build lasting institutions. He emphasized that the transformation of agriculture requires more than just roads and machinery. It needs investment in irrigation, finance, research, and human capital. The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural colleges, which have historically produced essential professionals.
GAFET aims to enhance food production, modernize farming, and strengthen mechanization. It also seeks to expand irrigation, promote agro-processing, and reduce dependence on food imports. The fund will increase agricultural exports and create sustainable jobs, especially for young people in agribusiness. Minister Opoku acknowledged that many agricultural institutions need renewed investment in laboratories, workshops, and modern machinery. They also require digital learning tools, research, scholarships, and industry-responsive curricula.
The government is committed to supporting these institutions to achieve their rightful place in Ghana’s agricultural transformation. GAFET will provide a dedicated national platform for various stakeholders to invest in agricultural education. These stakeholders include the government, the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, and citizens. This collaborative approach is essential for long-term success.
Minister Opoku commended Mr. Steven Nhyira Odarteifio and Hon. Kwesi Etu Bonde for their efforts in bringing this vision to life. He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that national development is a shared responsibility. The five agribusinesses providing the seed funding are GrowForMe, FarmerLine Ltd, New Age, Agrisolve Consult, and Tradeline Consult. Their initial GHS 3.5 million contribution demonstrates strong private sector confidence in GAFET's potential.