President John Dramani Mahama launched the “Feed Ghana Programme” in Techiman, Bono East Region, with the ambitious goal of transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape and bolstering the nation’s food security. The program aims to achieve this through increased agricultural production, supporting agro-processing industries, and creating much-needed employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. Central to this initiative is the repositioning of the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) as a key driver of agricultural investment and development. Recognizing financial constraints as a significant barrier to agricultural growth, President Mahama outlined plans to restructure GEXIM to provide concessional loans to farmers and agricultural businesses, particularly those engaged in export-oriented activities and value addition. This strategic move underscores the government’s commitment to leverage financial mechanisms to stimulate agricultural expansion and modernization.
The “Feed Ghana Programme” encompasses a range of sub-projects focusing on key agricultural sectors such as vegetable and grain cultivation, poultry farming, oil palm production, and tuber cultivation. The initiative prioritizes import substitution, aiming to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported food products while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a transition towards an export-driven economy. By boosting domestic production of these essential food items, the program seeks to enhance food security, stabilize local markets, and create a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector. This integrated approach addresses multiple facets of the agricultural value chain, from primary production to processing and export, promoting a holistic and sustainable model for agricultural development.
Furthermore, the “Feed Ghana Programme” envisions the development of dedicated agro-processing zones equipped with essential infrastructure such as irrigation systems, improved road networks, reliable power supply, and modern warehousing facilities. These zones are designed to attract private sector investment in the processing of agricultural produce, adding value and creating market opportunities for farmers. This strategic focus on value addition not only increases the profitability of agricultural activities but also promotes the development of a more sophisticated and competitive agribusiness sector. By linking enhanced production with efficient processing and market access, the program aims to stimulate economic growth and create a virtuous cycle of agricultural development.
GEXIM, under the leadership of Acting Chief Executive Sylvester Mensah, has expressed its full commitment to supporting the “Feed Ghana Programme.” The Bank views the program as closely aligned with its core priorities, which include boosting food production, fostering agro-processing industries, and investing in projects that generate substantial employment opportunities. This alignment ensures a synergistic partnership between the government’s policy objectives and GEXIM’s operational focus, facilitating the efficient allocation of resources and maximizing the impact of the program. GEXIM’s active involvement reinforces the importance of financial institutions in driving agricultural transformation and sustainable economic growth.
The “Feed Ghana Programme” represents a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Ghana’s agricultural sector. It emphasizes the importance of both increased production and value addition through agro-processing, recognizing the interconnected nature of these activities. By promoting import substitution and fostering an export-oriented approach, the program aims to create a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector, contributing to food security, economic growth, and job creation. The program’s focus on attracting private sector investment through the development of agro-processing zones demonstrates a commitment to fostering a dynamic and competitive agricultural landscape.
The success of the “Feed Ghana Programme” hinges on the effective collaboration of various stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions like GEXIM, farmers, and private sector investors. The program’s multi-faceted approach, encompassing financial support, infrastructure development, and market access, provides a comprehensive framework for agricultural transformation. By addressing key challenges such as access to finance and market linkages, the program aims to create an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth and contribute to Ghana’s overall economic development. The initiative holds significant potential to not only transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape but also improve livelihoods and empower communities across the country.
