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Danger looms as drought hits Volta Region rice production.

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.

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Omanbapa AgriTech fulfils its pledge to support the 42nd National Farmers’ Day Celebration

The Omanbapa AgriTech Company has fulfilled its pledge that was made to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to sponsor some items to make the 42nd National Farmers Day remarkable.

Omanbapa AgriTech, a wholly Ghanaian-owned agribusiness and a subsidiary of Omanbapa Group, focused on modern agricultural innovation, organic fertilizer production, food security, and sustainable farming systems across Africa, has donated billboards, 42nd Farmers’ Day branded T-shirts, branded caps, and other items.

The pledge was made during the signing of the MoU between Omanbapa Group and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to construct an organic fertiliser processing plant in Ghana, marking a major step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, improving soil health and strengthening the country’s food production systems.

Omanbapa AgriTech made a pledge of 7 billboards to be mounted in the Bono Region and Ahafo Region, 500 branded caps, and telescopic flags.

During the presentation of the items, the Executive Director of Omanbapa AgriTech Company Limited, Mr. Bernard Oduro Takyi, stated that the pledge has been fulfilled and all billboards have been mounted at a vantage point in Bono Region and Ahafo Region for the incoming
National Farmers’ Day Celebration.

“The intent is simple; the leadership of the president is so amazing that now food is cheap. In fact, I watched you in Ahafo Region to the point that now 2 boiled 2ggs cost GHS5 with free pepper; that is a sign of good leadership,” he extolled.

He prayed that the leadership of the Agric Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku, would exceed the confines of Ghana for the nation to witness the dividends of his leadership.

He urged the corporate bodies to attune with the vision of Hon. Eric Opoku and the government to redefine Ghana’s agriculture.

Receiving the items on behalf of the President and the farmers, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, expressed his profound gratitude to Omanbapa AgriTech for demonstrating generosity to Ghanaian farmers.

Hon. Eric Opoku mentioned that even though every year the government sets aside a day to honor the gallant farmers for working assiduously to put food on our table, this year’s Farmers’ Day is a unique year.

“Farmers’ Day started in 1983 when Ghanaian farmers produced abundantly after haven gone through a period of shortage of food, President Rawlings instituted these award schemes to motivate our farmers. After 1983, when we witnessed the bumper harvest, this is the 2nd time that Ghanaian people can confidently indicate that Ghana has experienced a bumper harvest again,” Minister clarified.

He indicated that there is food in abundant and food prices are now low to the extent that farmers are demonstrating on the street of low prices.

He stressed that the ministry is putting mechanisms in place to relieve the farmers of their suffering.

He assured that the ministry would work to deepen the relationship with Omanbapa AgriTech for the benefit of Ghanaians.

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Demeter Ghana donates agro-inputs and GHS20,000 cash to support Farmers’ Day Celebration

Demeter Ghana Limited has donated agro-inputs and GHS20,000 to support the Farmers’ Day Celebration that comes off on the 4th December 2026 in Sunyani, Bono Region.

The agro-inputs amount to Two Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS200,000), consisting of 500 bags of 50 kg Asaase Hemaa and 20 boxes of Omex Starter Pro.

Highlighting the inputs’ benefits to farmers, Demeter Country Director William Hunt said Asaase Hemaa is a calcium carbonate liming product that helps address acidity where soil testing shows a need.

Demeter Ghana Limited, presenting their cash to support Farmers’ Day

He added that Omex Starter Pro is a separate contribution to crop nutrition that enhances soil health, strengthens farmer livelihoods, and improves food security.

Seizing the opportunity to educate the farmers on soil testing, Mr. Hunt said some farming practices can worsen soil acidity and that soil acidity can affect crop growth and reduce the value farmers get from their output.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, the Chairman of the National Farmers’ Day Celebration, who doubled as the Deputy Minister
of Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, commended Demeter Ghana for the donation.

He urged corporate individuals to submit their donations as the date for the event gets closer.

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Omanbapa AgriTech calls on the government to intentionally invest in buffer stock to enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

The Executive Director of Omanbapa AgriTech Company Limited, Mr. Bernard Oduro Takyi, has called on the government to intentionally invest in a buffer stock company to enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

Mr. Oduro Takyi stressed that food commodity prices have fallen, benefiting consumers but leaving farmers in penury.

Underscoring prices of commodities in notable markets like Techiman, Kaukudi in Kumasi, Agbogbloshie in Accra and other parts of the country, he said prices of food commodities are low, benefiting the consumers. Still, the farmers who toiled to produce the products do not enjoy any dividend.

He advised that through the Finance Ministry, the government should form a pricing mechanism policy that would deliberately focus on food prices to give fair prices to food producers, benefiting farmers irrespective of the food glut in the country.

He added that if such a policy is instituted and the buffer stock strengthened, it would enhance farmers’ livelihoods, which will motivate the youth to venture into agriculture.

He mentioned that agriculture should be a business, not a hobby. According to him, when the youth testify to improved living conditions of farmers, the youth would no longer travel to other countries to seek greener pastures.

“If this policy is adhered to, believe me, the percentage of agriculture’s contribution to the GDP in the years 2027 and 2028 will be overwhelmed,” he concluded.

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Agric Minister commends Saviour Church of Ghana for contribution to Feed Ghana Programme, pledges irrigation Support for Gyidiman Farms

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has commended the Saviour Church of Ghana for its significant contribution to agricultural development and national food security through its participation in the government’s flagship Feed Ghana Programme.

The Minister made the commendation during a working visit to Gyidiman Farms, owned by the church’s leader, Nana Abraham, to assess ongoing farming activities and explore opportunities for further government support.

Inspecting 50 acres of tomato farm at Gyidiman Farms

Hon. Eric Opoku disclosed that the Saviour Church of Ghana was the first religious institution to register under the Feed Ghana Programme following engagements initiated by the Ministry even before the official launch of the programme.

He said the church’s longstanding investment in agricultural production makes it an important partner in the government’s efforts to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector and achieve food self-sufficiency.

The Minister expressed excitement at the scale of agricultural activities at Gyidiman Farms, which boasts over 350 acres of cashew, 320 acres of mango and 450 acres of maize ready for harvesting.

Minister inspecting about 300 acres of Teak farm at the Gyidiman Farms

The farm also produces tomatoes, pepper, onions, ginger and other food crops, in addition to its extensive livestock operations.

He further commended the church for extending its investment beyond primary production into agro-processing, particularly its rice processing facility, which processes and packages locally produced rice under the brand name Gidiman Local Perfume Rice.

Hon. Opoku, however, emphasised the need to transition Ghanaian agriculture from dependence on rainfall to irrigation-based farming to guarantee consistent production throughout the year.

He explained that the government’s Irrigation for Wealth Creation initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to expand irrigation infrastructure across the country to support all-year-round agricultural production.

Cattle Farm at the Gyidiman Farms

As part of this commitment, the Minister announced that government was facilitating the provision of irrigation infrastructure for Gidiman Farms, with the procurement process nearing completion.

He also disclosed that the Ministry had secured the support of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to connect the farm to the national electricity grid to facilitate the operation of the irrigation system.

According to him, contractors are already on the ground undertaking the electricity connection works, paving the way for the installation and operation of the irrigation infrastructure.

The Minister expressed confidence that the intervention would eliminate water constraints and significantly enhance the farm’s production capacity.

He also called on Ghanaians to prioritise locally produced agricultural products, particularly locally processed rice, stressing that increased patronage would stimulate investment, expand agro-processing and create employment opportunities.

Hon. Opoku noted that Ghana’s agricultural transformation requires strong collaboration between government, religious institutions, farmers, private investors and processors.

Gyidiman Farms has rice milling and processing factory that processes its rice for the market

He said the Saviour Church of Ghana’s investment in commercial farming and agro-processing demonstrates the important role religious institutions can play in national development and the achievement of food security.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting credible agricultural investments and strengthening partnerships under the Feed Ghana Programme to boost domestic food production, create jobs and build a resilient agricultural economy.

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Agric Minister Inspects the 70% completion of Farmer Service Centre at Takoratwene, reaffirms government’s commitment to Agricultural Transformation

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has inspected ongoing construction works on the Farmers Service Centre at Takoratwene in the Afram Plains area of the Eastern Region, as part of efforts to ensure the timely delivery of quality agricultural infrastructure under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme.

The inspection provided an opportunity for the Minister to assess the progress of work, examine the quality of construction and engage with the project team on measures to ensure that the facility meets the required standards and serves its intended purpose.

The Farmers Service Centre initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise Ghana’s agricultural sector by improving farmers’ access to essential mechanisation services, agricultural equipment and other production support services.

Hon. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, in the deep brown shirt with a cap exchanging pleasantries with his Technical Advisor, Hon. Etu Bondzie during the inspection

Through the centres, farmers are expected to have improved access to tractors, harvesters, agricultural implements and other mechanised services to reduce the burden of manual labour, improve productivity and make farming more attractive, particularly to the youth.

Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Eric Opoku emphasised the importance of delivering infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, noting that the government’s vision of transforming agriculture must be reflected in practical interventions that directly benefit farmers.

The group at the site

He stressed that the construction of the centres must not be treated merely as an infrastructure project but as a strategic investment in the future of Ghanaian agriculture.

The Takoratwene facility is particularly significant to farmers in the Afram Plains, an area with considerable agricultural potential and a strong contribution to the country’s food production.

When completed and operational, the centre is expected to strengthen agricultural mechanisation in the area, improve access to farm services, reduce production costs and support increased food production.

The government’s commitment to establishing Farmers Service Centres across the country is aimed at addressing some of the longstanding challenges confronting farmers, particularly limited access to modern machinery and the high cost of mechanised farming services.

The inspection forms part of Hon. Eric Opoku’s broader commitment to monitoring projects under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to ensure that government investments translate into tangible benefits for farmers.

The work is 70% completed, left with 30%. This is a massive transformation in the Agric value chain.

The Feed Ghana Programme, together with the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), remains central to the government’s efforts to build a modern, productive and commercially viable agricultural sector, strengthen food security, create employment and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.

The government maintains that transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector requires more than policy declarations; it demands practical investments, effective implementation and a firm commitment to quality delivery.

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Ahafo farmers cite livelihood losses as compensation for Newmont mining lands stalls

Farmers in four communities in the Ahafo Region say delays in the payment of compensation for lands and properties acquired for Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd’s Ahafo North mining project have plunged their families into hardship, leaving many without their main sources of livelihood.

The farmers, from Afrispakrom, Terchire, Susuanso and Adrobaa in the Tano North Municipality, say they have lost farms, crops and other properties taken over for the mining project but are yet to receive compensation, in some cases nearly three years after the government acquired the land.

They say the prolonged delay has made it difficult for affected families to meet basic needs, including food, healthcare and other household expenses. Some members of the association have died or fallen seriously ill while awaiting payment, it said in a press statement.

The farmers are also demanding the resolution of a dispute over compensation for structures on lands acquired in 2024, following a petition by Newmont challenging payments for properties belonging to 21 farmers, which the company reportedly described as “speculative”.

The dispute concerns two compulsory land acquisitions under Executive Instruments (E.I.) 356 of 2023 and E.I. 273 of 2024, through which the government acquired selected lands for Newmont’s Ahafo North mining operations.

The first acquisition was issued on September 29, 2023, while the second followed on July 15, 2024. The farmers say properties on lands covered by the first acquisition were destroyed when the state took possession in December 2023, without adequate opportunity for occupants to retrieve their belongings.

Addressing a press conference at Terchire, John Mensah, Chairman of the Farmers said for the second acquisition, a joint exercise involving Newmont, affected farmers and the Lands Commission identified and recorded crops and structures eligible for compensation.

The Lands Commission’s Valuation Technical Committee approved compensation amounts for lands, crops and structures under E.I. 273 in a letter dated April 13, 2026. The farmers say their lawyers and valuers accepted the amounts on their behalf on April 24.

However, the association said payment remained outstanding after Newmont petitioned the Lands Commission on June 9, 2026, challenging compensation for structures belonging to 21 members.

Newmont reportedly based its objection on provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act and a 2017 cut-off date, arguing that the structures were speculative. The farmers reject the claim, arguing that the acquisition was conducted under the Land Act, 2020, which they say does not recognise the mining-related cut-off date cited by the company.

They also maintain that Newmont representatives signed the joint enumeration records confirming the existence of the structures during the 2024 assessment exercise.

The farmers said Newmont had earlier sought government intervention in the dispute over compensation, prompting the establishment of a ministerial committee comprising traditional leaders, state institutions, lawyers for the farmers and company representatives.

They alleged that although the committee facilitated the joint assessment of properties, Newmont did not make itself available for subsequent compensation negotiations before the government proceeded with the second compulsory acquisition.

For farmers affected by E.I. 356, the situation remains unresolved, with the association saying they have received no compensation since their properties were taken in December 2023.

The association is urging the Lands Commission to independently resolve the outstanding issues, honour the compensation assessment under E.I. 273 and expedite payment to those affected by the 2023 acquisition.

It has also called for a written explanation of outstanding matters and a definite payment timetable.

The farmers argue that while Newmont is benefiting from the acquired lands, affected households continue to bear the economic cost of losing their farms and properties without compensation.

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Signing MoUs without action is meaningless – Agric Minister told partners

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has expressed his dissatisfaction with some of the development partners who delay or do not act on projects after Memoranda of Understanding are signed.

He said this when the DMT Collateral Management Limited, together with Mr. Goldiston Jobin, the Head of Economic Diplomacy, a representative of the Danish Ambassador, paid a courtesy call to the Minister.

During the visit, the Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay in meeting the deadline for establishing a shea processing factory in Ghana.

According to the Minister, the two parties have had extensive discussions that proceeded to action; however, the Danish embassy intervened and agreed to establish the shea factory in Ghana within a specific timeframe, yet since September, there has been no response.

“Based on the agreement, we communicated to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana to make time for the inauguration in September, expecting that we’ll operate within the timelines we have set for ourselves. Unfortunately, we are in November. We haven’t heard anything from you,” the Minister stressed.

He said that during a previous meeting, the partners informed the Ministry that six sites suitable for the project had been allocated, and discussions with the MCE are well advanced on the one that will be suitable and released for the project.

“It should be a key to ensuring that some of the issues we discuss are addressed on the ground, and the people benefit from it. Other than that, we will not be doing anything good to ourselves”, he added.

In response, the Head of Economic Diplomacy, Mr. Goldiston Jobin, assured that actions are underway behind the scenes, the land has been secured, and preparations are ongoing.

Explaining the delay to the Minister, Mr. Goldiston said there was an issue with permit for water, however, all the issues have been solved, and the embassy is innovative to accomplish the project.

When the Minister questioned when the project would be taken off, he said the project would commence in December.

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Fisheries Commission partnered with Agri-Impact Ltd and Mastercard Foundation to Advance Women’s Participation in Aquaculture

The Fisheries Commission on Friday, 30th October 2026, signed a partnership agreement with Agri-Impact Ltd and the Mastercard Foundation to support the implementation of the Sustainable Aquaculture for Women Advancement (SAWA) Programme.

The signing ceremony took place at the offices of Agri-Impact Ltd in Trassaco, Accra.

The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Ltd, Dr. (h.c.) Daniel Fahene Acquaye, and the Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Betey Campion, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.

The SAWA Programme is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Ltd.

It aims to unlock dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for 60,000 young women aged 18 to 35, including young women with disabilities.

The programme focuses on Ghana’s aquaculture sector, particularly tilapia and catfish production, with the aim of strengthening women’s participation and creating sustainable economic opportunities across the aquaculture value chain.

Under the partnership, the Fisheries Commission will provide technical and regulatory support through licensing, education, sensitisation and other relevant interventions to strengthen aquaculture production and businesses.

This support is expected to improve knowledge, promote compliance with regulatory requirements and expand opportunities for young women interested in or already engaged in the sector.

The agreement marks an important step towards strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders to promote inclusive growth, empower young women and support the sustainable development of Ghana’s aquaculture industry.

The 4-year SAWA Programme, a co-created initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Ltd, runs from 2026 to 2030 and is being implemented by a consortium of 10 partners including the Fisheries Commission.

It also seeks to build a more inclusive aquaculture sector where young women, including young women with disabilities, can access meaningful work opportunities, grow their businesses and build sustainable livelihoods.

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Agric Minister donates plantain chips processing machine worth GHS250k to visually impaired, David Awuku

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has donated plantain chips and flour processing machine for David Awuku and his four siblings who are visually impaired to enhance their livelihood.

David Awuku and his four brothers are visually impaired live on charity for survival. To assist him and his four brothers with meaningful livelihood support and lift them from charity-based living, Hon. Eric Opoku has purchased GHS250,000 worth of processing machine to set up a processing factory for him and the brothers.

Speaking at the presentation, Minister said the machine was presented to David Awuku to operate to generate sustainable revenue to support David Awuku and his four brothers’ livelihoods.

According to the Minister, the enclave is a farming community that predominantly produces plantain, therefore it is prudent to process the excess plantain to curb post-harvest losses and wastage in the community.

He stressed that farmers and market women can supply David Awuku for processing. The processing factory will process plantain to plantain chips and plantain flour for fufu.

Moreover, Hon. Eric Opoku added Twenty Thousand Ghana cedis to the donation to be used to establish the factory for Mr. Awuku.

He urged the caretaker of Mr. Awuku and his brothers to take good care of the factory and be honest to Awuku and the family.

Receiving the processing machine, Mr. David Awuku commended Agric Minister for such a kind gesture.

He acknowledged Hon. Eric Opoku for supporting him and his family with the processing machine to sustainable their lives.

According to Mr. Awuku, life has not been easy for him and his siblings and living on charity was not sustainable. “I prayed the Good Lord will bless Hon. Eric Opoku for all his heart desires. I and my siblings say a big thank you”, he added.

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Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, donates a thousand bags of 10kg organic fertilizer to support the 42nd National Farmers Day celebration.

Mr. Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, the Lead Coordinator of the Ghana Agricultural Fund for Education and Transformation (GAFET) has donated thousand bags of 10kg organic fertilizers to support the 42nd National Farmers Day Celebration that will be held on 4th December 2026 at Sunyani in the Bono Region.

During the presentation, the Lead Coordinator of the Ghana Agricultural Fund for Education and Transformation (GEFET), Mr. Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, explained that the organic fertilizer is made of saprophytic colloids and active peat; therefore, the sector needs more young people venturing into organic agriculture.

Commending the arduous work of the cherished farmers, Mr. Odarteifio stressed that many patriots across the country are coming forward, taking the initiative, and contributing their quota to support the ministry with resources that shall be made available to award thousands of farmers across the country.

He affirmed that the farmers are the reason for man’s existence and sustenance; we are standing here energetic and strong today because of farmers.

As a youth leader who wants the best for his compatriots, “I thought it would be great that I could pull a few resources together and contribute some organic fertilizers for young people who are in the agric space, who will be awarded on the day, and who, of course, will be inspired that the Ministry, and of course, in partnership with some stakeholders, have thought about them and want to support the hard work that they put into all year round in food production,”.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, who serves as the Chairman for the National Farmers’ Day Celebration, Hon. John Dumelo, extolled Mr. Steven Nhyira Odarteifio for the kind gesture to support the Farmers’ Day Celebration.

The Chair for the Celebration mentioned that the donation was timely since the farmers need adequate support to improve production and livelihoods.

He assured the Lead Coordinator that the inputs would be disbursed to the farmers on the day of the celebration and put to good use.

He called on corporate organizations and individuals to donate in their numbers to reward our gallant farmers for their contribution to feeding the nation.

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