The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku said the diplomatic engagement with the Nordic country is part of a broader context of Ghana’s agricultural transformation initiatives, including the Feed Ghana Programme.
Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has embarked on an intensive five-day agricultural diplomacy mission to Denmark, positioning the visit as a critical step toward transforming Ghana’s food production landscape and a step in achieving national food security objectives.
This high stakes engagement is an attempt by Ghana to shift from the days of food production gaps where the nation imports more than it produces with the help of international cooperation.
In his addressing remarks, the minister acknowledged the shortfalls saying “We are unable to produce enough local resources to feed our people. We import to supplement local production and in this case Denmark’s agricultural model can be a huge asset for the nation’s food growth.”
The Danish model presents an exceptional guide for agricultural efficiency and productivity. Because with a population of 6 million, the country has developed agricultural systems capable of feeding over 15 million people, thus creating a substantial export capacity which cuts across global markets.
The minister emphasized the transformative potential of adopting the Danish agricultural practices, noting that such innovations could significantly enhance Ghana’s food security position.
The programme structure emphasizes practical knowledge exchange and the identification of specific areas for bilateral cooperation.
Eric Opoku highlighted the collaborative approach, stating his expectation for “an interactive section where we can share ideas and eventually agree on some specific areas of action.”
The Mahama government through this programme intends to address the critical food security challenges in the country.
As Ghana’s annual food import bill is over $2 billion, with poultry imports alone accounting for approximately $300 million.
The mission also reflects on the current administration’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions to agricultural challenges through international partnerships.