Commercial farmer Kojo Akoto Boateng called for significant state investment in Ghana's agricultural infrastructure on June 15. The government must create conditions for private sector participation and improve food security. He made these remarks on Joy FM's Super Morning Show during JoyBusiness' Agribusiness Month discussions.
Mr. Akoto Boateng emphasized that critical infrastructure for agriculture should not rely solely on private investors. He highlighted irrigation systems, access roads, and other production-support infrastructure as essential. Investing in these areas will unlock the sector's full potential and drive sustainable growth for Ghana's economy.
This call comes as Ghana continues to grapple with food security challenges and high production costs for farmers. Data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture indicates that inadequate infrastructure, especially irrigation, limits year-round farming. This reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes the sector vulnerable to climate change impacts and supply chain disruptions. Prior efforts to boost agriculture, like the 'Planting for Food and Jobs' initiative, yielded mixed results, partly due to persistent infrastructure gaps.
“The state must strategically invest in agricultural infrastructure to enable the private sector to thrive,” Mr. Akoto Boateng stated. He compared this to state provision of roads, electricity, and large hospitals, which are not typically built by private businesses. He added that this approach reflects development models in advanced economies where governments provide foundational infrastructure. Private businesses then drive production and innovation.
Increased public investment in agricultural infrastructure would reduce production costs for farmers. It would also improve efficiency and increase agricultural output. These interventions would ease financial burdens on producers, strengthen national food security, and create jobs. Decision-makers in government will likely face continued pressure to allocate more funds to this critical sector. Farmers and consumers will keenly watch moves towards practical solutions for agricultural development.