The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has emphasized that every citizen of Ghana should have a garden within their homes.
This declaration was made during a press conference at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on April 3, 2025, ahead of the official launch of the Feed Ghana flagship program, which is set to take place on April 11, 2025.
During the press briefing, Minister Opoku highlighted that to achieve food sufficiency and mitigate food crises, it is essential for every Ghanaian to actively participate in the Feed Ghana Program.
He made a comparison between this new initiative and Acheampong’s historic ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ policy, noting that while both programs share a common objective, the Feed Ghana Program takes a more modern and different approach to agricultural development.
The Minister noted the importance of reviving the old school farm project, a once widely implemented initiative in various educational institutions across the country.
He suggested that if schools began producing a substantial percentage of the food they consume, it would help reduce the burden on the government to procure large quantities of food for schools under the school feeding program.
Schools would now cultivate their own food products, ensuring that students receive fresh and nutritious meals, while supporting the national food security agenda.
Hon. Eric Opoku further emphasized that should this revival occur, it would eliminate the complaints surrounding the school feeding program, as schools would have the resources and capacity to grow the food they eat.
The Minister assured that the government would provide the necessary tools, resources, and equipment to help schools work on their farms effectively.
Additionally, the Minister urged religious institutions to actively participate in the Feed Ghana program.
He noted that religious institutions, with their broad-based membership and community reach, are well-positioned to bring people together and mobilize support for the program, thereby making the program a reality.
Eric Opoku believes that the involvement of religious institutions would significantly contribute to the program’s success, creating a unified effort towards addressing food security.
The Minister again called on all district assemblies across the country to join the campaign of the Feed Ghana program.
He stated that the active participation of local government authorities is crucial for the program’s success, as it would ensure that the initiative reaches every corner of the country and truly benefits all Ghanaians.
“Together, we will forge a new path for Ghana’s agriculture. A path that enhances food security, revitalizes our economy, and empowers our farmers. It is time to turn our rich agricultural potential into a reality.”
“I urge all Ghanaians to join hands in supporting this initiative, as we work collectively towards a prosperous and food-secure Ghana,” Eric Opoku concluded.
