The site of a rice farm plagued by drought in the Volta Region.
The Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB) has revealed that rice production in the Volta Region of Ghana faces bleak consequences this year due to ongoing drought conditions which are disrupting production in some parts of the Region.
According to the body, farmers in the Akatsi North and South districts in the Volta Region have been gravely affected by poor rainfall patterns and are likely to lose their entire output for the 2021/2022 season.
“In Ketu South alone, over 700 hectares of rice have been lost to the drought. “The problem covers several areas including Kpoglu, Avalavi, Klenomadi and Avie in Ketu North, Akatsi in Akatsi South, Tongu Districts, Afadzato South District and Hohoe Municipal areas,” the President said.
This comes as a blow to the sector, which is an attempt to wean the country off rice importation by achieving self-sufficiency in production by 2025.
As if that is not enough, the affected farmers will have to wait till next year before they can earn some income.
Speaking to the reporter, President of GRIB Nana Agyei Ayeh II said some members of the farmers reached out to him to ascertain the situation and find a solution to the looming danger.
The President, together with some of the officials of the John A. Kufuor Foundation paid a working visit to the farms, and on their observation, several hectares of rice under cultivation are lost due to climate change and low levels of rainfall in these communities.
The woes of the farmers are further exacerbated by the huge investments they have already made in land preparation, seeds, and fertilizer.
However, the provisional production figures by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) indicate that about 973, 000 metric tonnes of rice were produced in Ghana in 2020. But, this figure could be hard to match in 2021 if the current situation persists.
Nana Agyei Ayeh II revealed that the existing dam structure which was built to harvest water to irrigate the farmlands is in a dire state of disrepair, leaving farmers at the mercy of the harsh weather conditions.
“We cannot continue with rain-fed agriculture. As you can see, this year, farmers have lost their investments simply because the rains failed them.
We would like to appeal to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide dugouts for these areas. These will aid in water conservations for the purposes of irrigation in such times like what we facing now” he added.
African Postdoctoral Fellow at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Moureen Nansamba has called on African governments to prioritise research funding in climate-resilient research to bridge the huge gap existing between Africa and the rest of the world.
She made this call when researchers across the globe gathered at the 9th International Plant Phenotyping Symposium, with the theme: “Phenotyping for All; Bridging the Gap in Global Agriculture”
The IPPS N9 was organized by the International Plant Phenotyping Network (IPPN) in partnership with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) and was the first IPPS held on the African continent in Accra, Ghana.
Moureen Nansamba, making a presentation of Banana phenotyping at the IPPS N9
“Whilst our colleagues in the Western world are really advanced in phenomics tools, Africans still lack behind, and that is mainly because Africa’s technology and financial capabilities are very limited”, Moureen Nansamba.
Africa needs to bridge the gap because, with climate change, much faster solutions are required, and Africa can achieve that by employing digital and cutting-edge tools which can accelerate breeding and the development of tolerance varieties that can be used by the farmers in the midst of climate change.
Connecting phenomics, digital and cutting-edge tools to the development of tolerance varieties, Moureen presented that with the AI pipeline, Alliance has been able to quickly identify and also select genotypes that are adapted to specific environments that would be able to conserve diversity in different environments without compromising the resilience of these systems.
“Now with just a cell phone and a lens we can be able to quickly screen and identify which genotypes are drought tolerant and which ones are not, then breeders can then use those droughts tolerant, and introduce drought tolerance in farmer-preferred varieties,” she appreciated the effect of research on phenotyping.
A researcher fellow, Moureen Nansamba explaining the types of bananas to her fellow
Using types of bananas as a case study to solve food security as a climate-resilient crop in Africa, she mentioned that it has been observed that bananas respond to drought in two ways and have been grouped based on their transpiration behaviour, thus: conservative ones and risk takers.
She explained that the risk takers, also known as East African Highland Bananas, require a lot of water during production and grow very fast. This type of banana is found in the East African Highlands, including parts of the DR Congo as well as Burundi.
Conservative bananas are the ones that require less water and grow slowly. This type is suitable for Sahara places where rainfall is less for production.
“However, the aim is to see how we can then find a genotype that can require much less water but would be able to produce comparable yield”, she added.
This could be achieved when African governments prioritise research funding on the continent.
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and mining executive Sir Sam Jonah has expressed concern over the extensive destruction of the country’s rivers, forests and farmlands caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the practice poses serious environmental, economic, public health and moral challenges.
Sir Sam Jonah lamented the deteriorating state of Ghana’s water bodies, observing that many rivers that once provided clean water and sustained communities have become heavily polluted by mining activities.
He made these remarks on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when he addressed the Methodist University Ghana International Conference 2026, organised to commemorate the institution’s 25th anniversary.
The mining executive described the damage caused by illegal mining as a troubling reflection of the country’s failure to protect its natural resources and safeguard the interests of present and future generations.
“Illegal mining, galamsey, is destroying our rivers, our forests and our farmland. Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk. This is not only an environmental problem. It is an economic problem, a health problem and, in the end, a moral problem.
“It is what happens when people gain all they can and forget Wesley’s condition about not hurting their neighbour. But stewardship is not only about the land. It is also about money and talent.”
Galamsey has contributed to the pollution of rivers and other water bodies, the degradation of forest reserves and the destruction of arable land.
The activities also threaten livelihoods in communities that depend on farming, fishing and other natural-resource-based occupations.
The pollution of water bodies has become one of the most visible consequences of illegal mining, with concerns mounting over the implications for water treatment, access to safe drinking water and the cost of supplying potable water to affected communities.
Beyond the immediate environmental damage, the destruction of farmland and forests raises concerns about food production, biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources.
As Sunyani prepares to host the 42nd National Farmers’ Day Celebration, Corporate Ghana has a great opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to Ghana’s agricultural transformation. More than an annual event, the National Farmers’ Day remains the national platform that celebrates the men and women whose dedication sustains the country’s food systems, drives economic growth and secures the nation’s future.
Observed on the first Friday of December annually, the National Farmers’ Day honors farmers, fishers and all those who contribute to Ghana’s agricultural development. This year’s celebration will be held at Sunyani, the Bono regional capital under the theme, “Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future”andwill once again bring together government officials, traditional authorities, development partners, agribusinesses and farmers from across the country to celebrate excellence in agriculture.
For more than four decades, the celebration has acknowledged best farmers and key players along the agricultural value chain while supporting innovation, research, investment and dialogue on the future of the sector. But beyond the awards and ceremonies, National Farmers’ Day provides the opportunity to forge stronger partnerships between government and the private sector.
Agriculture, Everyone’s Business
Agriculture contributes approximately 21-23 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Generally, it remains the foundation upon which many other sectors of the economy depend. It supports the country, provides raw materials for industry and provides jobs and livelihoods to millions of Ghanaians.
Virtually every business has a direct or indirect stake in agriculture. Financial institutions are aggressively expanding their client base and lending to farmers and agribusinesses. Manufacturers use agricultural produce for manufacturing. Telecom companies are employing digital solutions for connecting farming communities, linking farmers to credit and buyers, for instance through the “Akuafoɔ Anidasoɔ” (Farmers’ Hope) App. Transport and logistics companies then move the produce from the farms to the markets. Retailers are reliant on a steady supply of locally produced food to satisfy consumer demand.
Basically, when agriculture thrives, businesses thrive.
Supporting the National Farmers’ Day therefore goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is a strategic investment in the sector that sustains businesses, communities and the national economy.
More Than Sponsorship
Corporate support for National Farmers’ Day extends far beyond branding opportunities. It is a strategic direct investment in recognizing and motivating the hardworking men and women who feed our nation.
Support can take many forms. Companies may sponsor award categories that recognize outstanding farmers and innovators, provide prize packages and modern farming equipment, support the National Agricultural Fair, finance exhibition spaces for agribusinesses, or provide transportation, accommodation and other logistical support for participants.
Businesses can also support community outreach programmes, regional engagements, media campaigns and educational initiatives that promote agriculture and inspire more young people to pursue careers in the sector.
Every contribution strengthens the celebration whiles advancing national efforts to modernise agriculture, improve productivity and enhance food security.
Award Categories
With 32 substantive national award categories, Corporate Ghana is presented with the opportunity to invest in a national platform that celebrates excellence, innovation and resilience across the entire agricultural value chain.
The 42nd National Farmers’ Day event recognises outstanding achievement in crop production, livestock, poultry, fisheries, cocoa, coffee, shea, agricultural extension, research, youth and women in agriculture, persons with disabilities, farmer cooperatives, schools, security services and other key areas that contribute to Ghana’s food security and economic growth.
The awards will honour deserving individuals and organisations such as the Overall National Best Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Youth Farmer, National Best Female Farmer, National Best PWD Farmer, National Best Agricultural Extension Agent, National Best Agricultural Research Institution, National Best Fish Farmer, National Best Marine Fisher, National Best Cocoa Farmer and other outstanding contributors.
Beyond the national awards, sponsorship extends a company’s impact to the regional and district levels, where outstanding farmer-based cooperatives, schools, faith-based organisations and agricultural institutions are also recognised. This broad reach allows sponsors to demonstrate meaningful support for communities across the country whiles aligning their brands with the values of productivity, innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth.
Thus, the event remains a strategic platform for Corporate Ghana to champion the theme, “Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future”.
A Sound Business Decision
Some may ask what businesses stand to gain by supporting National Farmers’ Day.
The answer is simple.
Supporting the celebration aligns organizations with one of Ghana’s most respected national events. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to food security, rural development and sustainable economic growth while enhancing corporate reputation, strengthening public trust and reinforcing stakeholder confidence.
More importantly, businesses that invest in agriculture today are investing in resilient supply chains, expanding rural markets and building stronger relationships with the farming communities that produce the raw materials on which many industries depend.
A financial institution that sponsors agricultural awards engages directly with current and potential clients. A manufacturing company that supports farmers helps secure a reliable supply of quality raw materials. Agribusiness that promotes innovation contributes to a stronger agricultural ecosystem that ultimately benefits the entire economy.
In every sense, supporting National Farmers’ Day is not an expense – it is a sound business investment.
A call to Action
As preparations gather momentum towards the 42nd National Farmers’ Day Celebration in Sunyani, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture invites Corporate Ghana, development partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders to become active partners in this important national event.
Organizations can sponsor award categories, support the National Agricultural Fair, provide logistics, finance innovative initiatives or contribute to programmes that enhance the overall success of the celebration as a direct investment in Ghana’s farmers, food security, rural livelihoods and long-term economic prosperity.
By partnering with the Ministry, Corporate Ghana will not only help deliver a successful national celebration but also demonstrate its commitment to building a more resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural sector.
A Shared Responsibility
Honouring our farmers is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a shared national responsibility which should be embraced by every individual, institution and business that benefits from the dedication and resilience of those who produce the nation’s food.
The 42nd National Farmers’ Day Celebration offers Corporate Ghana an opportunity to stand alongside the farmers whose efforts sustain industries, strengthen communities and drive national development.
This December in Sunyani, let Corporate Ghana demonstrate that it values the people behind Ghana’s food systems. Let businesses become partners in celebrating excellence, promoting innovation and accelerating agricultural transformation because when we invest in our farmers, we invest in our food. And when we invest in our food, we invest in Ghana’s future.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has described Bechem as the Chicken Capital of Ghana after the completion of the poultry meat and feed processing factory.
This was mentioned when Mr. President together with the Minister of Food and Agriculture and other Ministers of state have paid a working visit to the poultry meat and feed processing factory at Bechem in the Ahafo Region.
The visit was to assess the progress level of the ongoing poultry meat and feed factory. The 50% project completion is expected to be fully completed and operationalised by March 2027 by the AESL contractor.
“After the completion of this factory, Bechem will become the Chicken Capital of Ghana, because whoever wants chicken will come to Bechem to purchase,” Mr. President said.
He urged the youth to actively involve in the Nkoko Nketenkete programme for there is a ready market to off-take the birds.
He advised that the youth could be retailing the chicken meat by purchasing a cold van to distribute the chicken to customers in other regions. This also serves as employment for the youth.
H.E. assured that as the contractor has employed more youth from Bechem to work on the project, after the construction, the government would make sure the youth of Bechem are employed.
Mr. President commended Nananom and the people of Bechem for their cooperation in making Bechem the Chicken Capital of Ghana.
Explaining the composition of the factory, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, explained that the project has two processing lines: one for broilers and another for layers.
According to the Minister, the processing factory would have a combined capacity of 6,000 birds per hour. Meaning, during an operation, the processing plant could process 6,000 birds per hour.
To sustain the processing factory operations for 24 hours, the factory would outsource from all the poultry farmers from the close regions.
“We want the factory to have a contract agreement with the farmers within Ashanti, Bono Ahafo, Upper East and all the regions around, so that when they produce the fowls the factory would offtake and process them for the market,” Eric Opoku said.
He stressed that Nkoko Nketenkete has increased Ghana’s domestic poultry production from 4.6% to 22% as at May 2026, which has never occurred in the history of Ghana.
The Founder and CEO of Rockland Farms, Mrs. Edith Akosah Wheatland has donated GHS100,000 to support the 42nd Farmers’ Day Celebration.
The award prize was donated to support the National Best Female Farmer 2026. The 42nd National Farmers’ Day is slated on 4th December 2026 which would be held at Sunyani in the Bono Region.
During the presentation of the donation, Mrs. Edith Akosah Wheatland, who couples as the Former 2023 National Best Female Farmer said women play key role to safeguard food security.
She mentioned that when women are empowered it affects not only their families rather, the entire community and the national food systems.
“When women are supported in terms of finance, technology, market, women thrive and when you support women in agribusiness, you are supporting the family, the community and the future of the food systems”, she added.
She encouraged other past award winners to support the ministry to motivate farmers to produce enough to feed the country.
Receiving the donation, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku commended Madam Edith Akosah Wheatland, the CEO of Rockland Farms for such kind gesture to her fellow woman.
He announced that the donation received will go directly to the award winner and the donner thus, Rockland Farms would be duly acknowledged at the function.
He mentioned that without food, nothing can happen in nation, therefore, the ministry appreciates the confidence that the general public has reposed in them.
“I want to assure them that we will deliver on the mandate and ensure that within the shortest possible time Ghana attains food self-sufficiency”, he assured the public.
He called on stakeholders and the general public to contribute to the upcoming Farmers’ Day Celebration to honour our gallant farmers.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced that Ghana is targeting self-sufficiency in rice production by 2028, with a national target of 3.31 million metric tonnes of paddy production.
He said the target would be supported by the implementation of the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development (REWARD) Project, backed by a US$18.8 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the Minister said rice had become Ghana’s second most important cereal after maize, with rising population, urbanisation and changing consumer preferences pushing demand ahead of domestic production.
According to him, milled rice production increased from about 650,000 tonnes to 900,000 tonnes in 2024 and 960,000 tonnes in 2025.
Despite the increase, Mr. Opoku said local production currently meets only about 56 percent of national demand, leaving approximately 44 percent to be supplied through imports.
He noted that Ghana spends between US$320 million and US$500 million annually on rice imports, stressing that the money could instead be retained within the local economy to benefit Ghanaian farmers, millers and traders.
The Minister described the REWARD Project as a major intervention under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme aimed at closing the production gap and reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported rice.
Under the project, government will develop 3,200 hectares of land for rice production in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone and support more than 20,000 smallholder farmers across selected districts.
The beneficiary areas include Tamale Metropolitan, Mion, Savelugu, East Mamprusi, West Gonja, Bawku West, Wa Municipal, Sissala East and Nandom.
The project will also provide farmers with quality seeds and appropriate mechanisation to increase yields from 3.5 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes per hectare while improving the quality of paddy produced.
Mr. Opoku said the intervention would provide a range of agricultural machinery, including rotary tillers, seed drills, mini crawler combine harvesters, rice transplanters and boom sprayers.
Government will also identify and equip 10 strategically located rice processing centres with complementary equipment, including mini GEM rice parboiling vessels.
Hermetic storage cocoons will be provided to reduce post-harvest losses, while farmers will be linked to markets and private-sector players to create jobs and improve incomes.
The Minister further disclosed that rice produced under the REWARD Project would help supply schools, prisons and other public institutions with quality locally produced rice.
On rice imports, Mr. Opoku said government was not seeking to ban imports but would introduce measures to ensure that imports contribute to strengthening domestic production.
He announced that import quotas would be linked to local investment, with importers expected to establish verifiable partnerships with local rice producers before import permits are granted.
“We are not banning imports, which would only hurt consumers. Instead, we are channelling the value of imports into local production and empowering our farmers,” he said.
The Minister also announced additional support from the Government of Japan through a ¥394 million (approximately US$2.49 million) grant to strengthen Ghana’s rice value chain.
Under the Japanese CARD Grant Aid Project on the Enhancement of Rice Seeds Production Capacity, Ghana is expected to receive combine harvesters, trucks for transporting harvesters and seeds, seed cleaning machines, maintenance tools, air blowers and dusters, high-pressure cleaners, transformers and a vehicle for monitoring and supervision.
The equipment is scheduled to arrive in November 2026, with training also planned for value-chain actors to improve quality and competitiveness.
Mr. Opoku urged farmers and other beneficiaries to make effective use of the equipment and interventions being provided, saying their proper utilisation would be critical to achieving sustainable food and nutrition security.
He disclosed that the Ministry, in consultation with the African Development Bank, plans to formally launch the REWARD Project in the first week of November 2026, ahead of the 2027 production season.
The Minister expressed confidence that the project would be implemented within record time and contribute significantly to transforming Ghana’s rice industry and reducing the country’s rice import bill.
The Government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has cut sod for the development of the Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme at Anunuso Valley near Brofoyedru in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region.
The project, being implemented under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), is expected to add 175 hectares of irrigable land to Ghana’s agricultural capacity and benefit at least 220 farmers of the Anunuso Rice Farmers’ Cooperative.
Speaking at the sod-cutting and site-possession ceremony, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, said the project forms part of government’s efforts to reduce farmers’ dependence on unreliable rainfall and increase food production throughout the year.
He said the Anunuso scheme is also aligned with the Feed Ghana Programme’s Irrigation for Wealth module, which seeks to improve water management and create conditions for farmers to cultivate their land more productively.
According to the Minister, the technical projections indicate that the project could increase rice yields from about 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare to 5 metric tonnes per hectare.
With two successful cropping cycles annually, he said the developed area could produce approximately 1,750 metric tonnes of paddy, translating into about 1,100 metric tonnes of milled rice each year.
Mr. Opoku said the project is also expected to create about 100 jobs during construction and approximately 2,500 employment opportunities across the rice value chain when fully operational.
He noted that the employment opportunities would span land preparation, farming, harvesting, milling, transportation, input supply and trading.
The Minister urged the Anunuso Rice Farmers’ Cooperative to work closely with agricultural extension officers and prospective buyers to ensure that production is guided by market demand.
He stressed the importance of quality production, timely harvesting, proper drying, storage and efficient milling to enable locally produced rice to compete effectively in the domestic market.
Mr. Opoku further called on the technical teams to provide farmers with the necessary extension support, including guidance on improved seeds, soil fertility, pest management and efficient water use.
He also appealed to traditional authorities and other stakeholders to continue consultations on the land agreements governing the project.
The Minister said the Ministry’s legal team was considering concerns raised by the traditional authorities regarding the draft agreement, stressing that adequate consultation would remain central to the process.
He directed the contractor, Nathawo Investment Properties and Investment Limited, to ensure quality workmanship and strict compliance with the approved specifications.
Mr. Opoku also urged the contractor and supervising teams to encourage local participation and respond promptly to concerns from surrounding communities.
He called on the District Assembly, traditional authorities and farmers to protect the water resources and catchment areas supporting the project against encroachment, pollution and erosion.
The Minister said the broader FSRP intervention targets the rehabilitation or development of 4,800 hectares, comprising 3,700 hectares across four irrigation systems and 1,100 hectares across four inland valley enclaves.
The irrigation schemes are Kpong, Tanoso, Vea and Weta, while the inland valley developments include Anunuso, Odaho/Odamu, Waamu/Kumi and Kawampe.
Mr. Opoku expressed appreciation to the traditional authorities for releasing land for the project and commended farmers in Brofoyedru, Anunuso, Nkwankwanua and Awaham for their cooperation.
He said the ultimate measure of the investment would be whether farmers could plan their production with greater certainty, increase their harvests and achieve sustainable improvements in their incomes.
He subsequently performed the sod-cutting to officially commence the development of the Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme is strengthening its data management, monitoring, and collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) as part of efforts to improve service delivery and prepare for future expansion.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, says government is prioritising quality and accurate beneficiary data to ensure resources are effectively channelled to schoolchildren.
Speaking at an engagement with regional and district directors of education in the Ashanti and Western North regions, the Minister said reliable data is critical to planning, budgeting, and ensuring value for money.
“The management of data is important, and that is the only way we are going to have value for money. We want to ensure that we are speaking from the same book, on the same page,” she stated.
She said government’s approach goes beyond reporting figures on funding and beneficiaries, stressing the need to focus on the children who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the programme.
Dr Lartey said while government remains committed to expanding the programme, improving the quality of meals must come first.
According to her, the Ministry is advocating increased funding to enable caterers to provide better meals for beneficiaries.
“If you are looking at nourishment and you’re building into the future, then you want to ensure that the minds you are nourishing are well nourished,” she noted.
She explained that expansion would require clean and verifiable data, as well as financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
“If we are able to clean our data well, expansion shouldn’t be a challenge for the Secretariat or the Ministry of Finance to approve,” she said.
The Minister also disclosed that monitoring of the programme has been increased to ensure that measures introduced to improve quality produce the desired impact.
The National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Hajia Fati Forgor, said the programme has expanded significantly since its introduction in 2005.
“The initiative started with 10 schools and 1,900 beneficiaries, but today we can say close to 70% of Ghana’s public schools, KG and primary, are currently benefiting from the programme. We are looking at 4,527,000 children benefiting,” she said.
Hajia Forgor said stronger collaboration with the Ghana Education Service is necessary because headteachers, who play a key role in the implementation of school feeding, report directly to education directors.
She said the engagement was therefore intended to strengthen coordination, clarify roles, and address challenges involving headteachers, caterers, and School Feeding coordinators.
“We are inviting you here for you to know us and for us to know you, and for you to appreciate the fact that we are willing to work closely with you to ensure that we improve Ghana’s School Feeding Programme to make the service a better one,” she added,
The engagement forms part of a nationwide initiative by the Ghana School Feeding Secretariat to deepen collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and improve monitoring, data management, and service delivery across schools.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has cut the sod for the construction of an Inland Valley project at Aninkroma, near Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North district.
The irrigation project that would cost GHS 4.1 million cedis, is expected to be completed within 16 months.
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture speaking during the sod cutting for the construction of Inland Valley Project
The project is to provide reliable year-round water supply to farmers, who would be engaged in the implementation of the Food Systems Resilience Project ( FSRP) being implemented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly.
The FSRP is designed to improve agricultural production and water management, strengthen food security, create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers, and favorable conditions for rice cultivation in the area.
The construction site for the Inland Valley Project near Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North district.
Minister announced that in 2026, the National Best Farmer would get GHS 1.2 million brand-new pick-up vehicle, a tractor and enjoy a free research trip to Italy, as motivation.
He said the government would continue to invest in agriculture through the provision of infrastructure and support for farmers to help increase productivity, food security, improved income generation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Opoku, therefore, urged all citizens, particularly the youth, to take keen interest in agriculture and venture into it, to improve their incomes and contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
Agric Minister exchanging pleasantries with the chief and the elders
Mr Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, the District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the government and the Ministry for choosing the district for the project, saying it would open a new chapter for the residents to enjoy the benefits.
He pledged to ensure the smooth execution of the project and its successful implementation to help achieve the intended purpose for the people.
Nana Gyedu Kumanin IV, the Amakyebarehene, who chaired the function, commended the government for the initiative.
The government has donated two (2) sets of portable irrigation machines and five hundred (500) bags of fertilizers to the Pomaakrom Petra Cooperative
The donation was presented by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, in Ahafo Ano North.
Ghana imports over USD400 million worth of tomatoes and paste annually, heavily driven by the December-July off-season deficit.
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture advising the youth to take agriculture as a serious business.
This donation aimed at enhancing vegetable production like tomatoes throughout the year, especially during the lean season, to curb dry-season importation of vegetables and retain and strengthen Ghana’s import balance sheet.
During the donation, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, extolled the youth for establishing the cooperative with a common goal to produce vegetables for the country to sustain food security.
According to the Minister, the vision of the President, John Dramani Mahama, is to make farmers more worthy than any other profession. To achieve this, he said, the government is providing favourable farming working conditions through the Feed Ghana Programme with the right agricultural tools and technology, and a market for the farm produce.
This government intervention includes the free donation of 2 portable irrigation machines and 500 bags of fertilizer. One of the portable irrigation machines could irrigate 5 acres of land; therefore, the 2 irrigation machines would irrigate 10 acres of land.
The irrigation materials presented to the Pomaakrom Cooperative
Explaining the uses of the machine, he said the machine can be assembled for use and disassembled after use. It could be moved to different farms for the same purposes.
“Resetting Ghana’s agriculture, the government, under the leadership of President Mahama, is procuring more of these portable irrigation machines. The government will subsidise the price so that every cooperative can afford to promote lean seasonal farming,” he added.
Demonstrating how the portable irrigation machine works on the field.
He mentioned that the government is making every effort to provide favourable conditions for farmers to produce vegetables, especially tomatoes during the lean season.
He urged the youth to focus on agriculture, especially during the dry season, because vegetable prices, especially for tomatoes, are high then.
He called on the youth and the elders of Pomaakrom to make good use of the irrigation machines and the fertilizers to enhance maximum production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
