Eric Opoku secures FAO support to deepen Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has secured renewed support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to advance Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

This follows a high-level bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the FAO, Dr. QU Dongyu, held at the FAO headquarters in Rome on the sidelines of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the FAO to boost agricultural development and food security.

Mr. Opoku outlined Ghana’s priorities, including adding value to cash crops such as cocoa, cashew, and shea as part of efforts to boost exports, create jobs, and improve farmer incomes.

He also highlighted government initiatives to establish Farmer Service Centres and enhance the deployment and capacity of agricultural extension officers to deliver timely technical support to farmers.

The Minister underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable agricultural growth and called for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure to enable year-round food production.

On food systems development, Mr. Opoku stressed the need to scale up tomato cultivation and enhance research into underutilized crops such as cassava, which play a critical role in food security.

He also commended the FAO for its support in rehabilitating and upgrading the soil testing laboratory in Kumasi to international standards, describing it as essential for improving soil health and boosting crop yields.

He requested FAO support in providing cold storage facilities for yam and other perishable crops to reduce post-harvest losses.

The Minister further appealed for more qualified Ghanaians to be appointed to senior leadership positions within the FAO, reflecting Ghana’s growing contribution to global agricultural development.

In response, Dr. QU Dongyu reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He assured Hon. Opoku of the organization’s readiness to assist in addressing post-harvest losses, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and promoting innovation-driven solutions to boost productivity.

Dr. Dongyu also instructed the FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, to initiate the necessary processes for implementing key interventions in Ghana, including irrigation, value addition, and other critical services to enhance food production.

The meeting underscored Ghana’s strategic efforts to transform agriculture through innovation, value addition, and strengthened international partnerships.