Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security through strategic government interventions and partnerships with international development agencies.
Speaking at the JLIFAD/FIDA Regional Implementation Workshop and Regional Farmers’ Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and development partners in transforming Africa’s agricultural sector.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss strategies for improving agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing food systems across Africa.
In a Facebook post after the event, Mr. Opoku noted that he shared Ghana’s experience in working with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), particularly through the Rural Enterprises Programme, which has supported rural economic growth by improving access to finance and business development opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The Minister also outlined key initiatives being implemented by the government to boost agricultural production and enhance food security, including the Feed Ghana Programme and the PROSPER Programme.
According to him, the programmes are helping to increase food production while addressing challenges such as post-harvest losses that continue to affect farmers across the country.
“I participated and addressed the JLIFAD/FIDA Regional Implementation Workshop and Regional Farmers’ Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, emphasizing the crucial synergy between governmental initiatives and international partnerships in advancing Africa’s agricultural sector,” he stated.
Mr. Opoku further highlighted the government’s free fertilizer intervention, explaining that the policy was introduced to support farmers affected by climate-related disasters and rising production costs.
He said the government is also prioritising irrigation development and the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres as part of efforts to modernise agriculture and ensure long-term growth in the sector.
