By: Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to comprehensively transform Ghana’s agricultural sector, promising strategic interventions to boost food production, reduce imports and secure long-term food sustainability.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration in 2025 in Ho on Monday December 5, 2025, Mahama said agriculture remains the backbone of the nation and must be modernized to meet future demands. He noted that despite climate change, market fluctuations, environmental degradation, and limited financing, farmers continue to work tirelessly to feed the nation and sustain the economy.
“We owe our farmers profound gratitude,” he said, stressing that quality, accessible and affordable food is crucial for national survival and developmentMahama expressed concern over Ghana’s annual spending of nearly $3 billion on imported food items, including rice, poultry, vegetable oil and sugar. He described the situation as “neither sustainable nor acceptable,” adding that it signals the urgent need for a bold, resilient agricultural agenda.
To address this challenge, the President highlighted the Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative under the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda. The programme aims to modernize farming, create jobs, reduce food inflation, promote agro-processing, and push Ghana towards food sovereignty.
Under the initiative, government is developing value chains in cereals, legumes, vegetables, tree crops, livestock and poultry. Infrastructure is also being expanded, including irrigation facilities, farmer service centres, storage facilities, and systems to improve access to credit and agricultural insurance.
Mahama revealed that since taking office in January 2025, food inflation has dropped significantly from 28.3% to 9.5% by October 2025, following targeted support programmes. These include the distribution of 50,000 metric tons of fertilizer and 3,000 metric tons of hybrid maize and rice seeds to farmers and institutions across the country.
He also announced major progress under the Irrigation for Wealth Creation Initiative, with 3,520 hectares under active development, alongside ongoing works at the Afram Plains Economic Enclave covering 3,220 hectares. In addition, 15 out of 258 earmarked solar-powered irrigation boreholes have been completed to support year-round vegetable farming.
Mahama further hinted that the Volta Region will soon benefit from a vegetable development programme, encouraging farmers to participate and take advantage of new opportunities.
He assured Ghanaians that government will continue to implement disciplined, well-planned and sequenced interventions to build a resilient agriculture sector capable of feeding the nation, generating income and driving rural development.
