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.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has donated GH¢50,000 to Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, to support their preparations for the 2026 World Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
Beyond the financial contribution, the minister has pledged a comprehensive poultry enterprise package for eight locally based players, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the team’s international campaign while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the athletes beyond football.
The proposed package will be provided under the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete poultry programme and will include battery cages, laying birds, poultry feed and technical expertise to enable the beneficiaries to establish and operate their own poultry businesses.
Hon. Opoku announced the donation and support package during a visit to the team’s training session at the University of Ghana. He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, the ministry’s Chief Director and its budget officer.
Addressing the players, the minister reaffirmed the nation’s support for their World Cup campaign and encouraged them to approach the competition with confidence and determination.
“You are going to hold the flag of Ghana, and our presence here indicates that the whole nation is behind you,” he told the team.
He urged the players to believe in their abilities, remain focused on their preparations, and represent Ghana with pride on the international stage. “You are stronger than you know,” he said, encouraging them to make the country proud.
GH¢50,000 DONATION STRENGTHENS WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS
The GH¢50,000 contribution from Hon. Opoku provides an additional financial boost to the Black Challenge as they prepare for the global competition.
His donation follows a GH¢100,000 contribution from Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, bringing the combined support from the two individuals to GH¢150,000.
The minister noted that the team needed both financial and motivational support to prepare adequately for the tournament, stressing that their participation represented an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s sporting talent and national pride.
His visit underscored the importance of collective support for the team as the players prepare to compete against some of the world’s best amputee football sides.
AGRIC MINISTER PLEDGES POULTRY BUSINESSES FOR EIGHT PLAYERS
In a significant commitment extending beyond the World Cup, Hon. Opoku announced that eight players based in Ghana would be supported to establish poultry enterprises upon their return from Mexico.
The minister explained that he had been informed that the team comprised eight locally based players and seven others based in Turkey.
He subsequently invited the Ghana-based players to participate in the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete poultry programme, assuring them that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture would put together a special package to help them establish their businesses.
“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is putting together a special package, so as soon as you return, get in touch with us,” he said.
He added that Hon. John Setor Dumelo would coordinate the process to ensure the players could access the promised assistance.
Outlining the package, Hon. Opoku said the ministry would provide battery cages, laying birds, poultry feed and the necessary technical expertise to help the beneficiaries begin poultry production.
The initiative is intended to give the players a sustainable source of income while enabling them to contribute to Ghana’s domestic poultry industry.
The minister emphasised the importance of helping the athletes build livelihoods that would support them and their families beyond their immediate sporting careers.
LINKING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT TO AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES
Hon. Opoku’s commitment reflects an approach that combines sports development with economic empowerment, using the government’s agricultural programmes to create opportunities for athletes to become entrepreneurs and food producers.
The proposed support under the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative will offer the eight players an opportunity to venture into poultry farming with the benefit of essential equipment, production inputs and technical guidance.
The programme forms part of the broader Feed Ghana Programme, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, which seeks to strengthen domestic food production, improve food security and increase household incomes.
By extending the initiative to members of the Black Challenge, the ministry is seeking to demonstrate how agricultural interventions can support people in different sectors of society, including athletes with disabilities.
With appropriate training, accessible facilities and sustained technical support, the proposed poultry enterprises could help the beneficiaries develop viable businesses while contributing to national efforts to increase local poultry production.
The minister’s pledge also highlights the potential for collaboration between the sports and agricultural sectors to provide athletes with opportunities for economic independence alongside their sporting ambitions.
BLACK CHALLENGE PREPARE FOR WORLD CUP CHALLENGE
Ghana’s Black Challenge will compete in the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation World Cup, scheduled for November 13–22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.
The team has been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq, with 24 national teams expected to compete for the championship.
As preparations intensify, the financial contribution and proposed poultry enterprise package from Hon. Opoku provide two forms of support: immediate assistance for the team’s World Cup campaign and a commitment to longer-term economic opportunities for Ghana-based players.
The eight locally based players have been asked to contact the ministry after returning from Mexico to facilitate arrangements for the proposed poultry enterprises.
Hon. Opoku assured the team of the country’s backing, reiterating that the players would be representing Ghana and carrying the hopes of the nation into the competition.
“You have the full support of the entire citizenry of this country,” he assured them.
The minister’s intervention reinforces the message that supporting the Black Challenge means not only encouraging the players to compete for international honours but also exploring practical ways to help them build sustainable livelihoods beyond the football pitch.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has urged the government to prioritise food processing, export development and agricultural infrastructure under its proposed US$10 billion New Economy Policy.
The Association says the policy must address longstanding structural challenges in the agricultural sector to improve productivity, expand value addition and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Its Executive Director, Bismark Nortey, says investments in storage facilities, irrigation, mechanisation and agricultural marketing systems will be critical to unlocking the sector’s potential.
The government plans to invest US$10 billion over five years in nine key sectors, including agriculture and agribusiness, under the proposed policy. The initiative is expected to receive US$2 billion annually and accelerate job creation and economic growth.
Reacting to the proposal, Mr Nortey welcomed the inclusion of agriculture and agribusiness but called for clarity on the specific interventions planned for the sector.
“Any economic policy that does not have agriculture and agribusiness at the heart of it is a non-starter and it’s bound to fail,” he said.
He argued that investment must go beyond boosting food production to establish effective systems for storing, processing and marketing agricultural produce.
Mr Nortey said processing surplus food for export could help reduce post-harvest losses, create additional markets for farmers and increase the value Ghana derives from agricultural production.
He also called for investment in irrigation and mechanisation to improve productivity and reduce the sector’s dependence on rain-fed farming.
“These investments must be able to unlock the agricultural sector, unlock the infrastructural deficits, unlock the marketing aspects, unlock value addition,” he said.
Mr Nortey further urged the government to address barriers that discourage young people from entering agriculture. These include limited access to land, mechanisation and digital infrastructure.
He said addressing these constraints would help make agriculture more attractive to young people while improving the sector’s capacity to support jobs and economic growth.
The Association is also seeking clarity on how the proposed New Economy Policy will relate to the government’s existing Feed Ghana programme.
Mr Nortey questioned whether the new policy would complement the programme or provide the framework for its implementation.
He said a clear outline of the planned interventions would help farmers and other stakeholders understand how the government intends to address the sector’s challenges.
The Association believes that aligning agricultural production with processing and export development will be essential to ensuring that the proposed investment delivers lasting benefits for farmers and the wider economy.
East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT), an independent non-profit organization that empowers smallholder vegetable farmers through practical agronomic training and climate-smart practices, is 10 years old.
Realising a good seed alone could not earn the farmer the returns that he or she needs, the founder, Simon N. Groot, a Dutch agronomist, set up a foundation that is East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer to provide an extension work to train the farmers on techniques that the farmers can use to grow the high quality vegetable seeds and the inputs that they invest in their farms.
Improving smallholder vegetable farmers’ livelihoods, the Foundation focused on the mutual benefit of farmers by developing smallholders’ technical expertise, introducing improved agricultural inputs, and driving market development.
This is achieved through the various demo sites that provide hands-on technical knowledge for the smallholder farmers in the country.
A decade of impacting technical knowledge into farmers, Today, the foundation has been established in ten (10) countries across the globe.
In a speech delivered by the Country Manager of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, Ghana, Jemima Aku Djah, the foundation works directly with farming communities in Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Giving the reasons for celebrating the foundation’s decade anniversary, the Country Manager said the foundation has closed the gap between seed and skills. According to her, many smallholder farmers have access to good seeds but lack the technical knowledge to get the best yield from them.
Interestingly, she said the foundation does not employ expensive technology, but rather simple and already-made materials from the localities and homes, like rice straw, bamboo, etc., to improve yields.
Moreover, she mentioned that the foundation brings opportunities to underdeveloped areas where farmers experience low yields and limited access to knowledge and inputs.
She added that the foundation’s training materials are developed with Wageningen University and Research, and other experts are available in many languages on the GrowHow platform. This research is tested in tropical fields across the world.
Furthermore, the foundation set a target of one million farmers between 2021 and 2025, and it has achieved over nine hundred thousand (900,000).
Lastly, she said the foundation connects training to markets, because farmers who grow more produce need an available market to sell their produce.
Narrowly, EWS-KT has trained about thirty thousand (30,000) smallholder vegetable farmers since inception with 2 learning centres in Ghana. However, there are countless demonstration farms in the five regions of operation.
Indeed, a great achievement worth celebrating. We say Ayekoo to East-West Seed Knowledge Foundation for such a great achievement in contributing to improving food security and food independence.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commended Japan Motors for supporting the 42nd National Farmers’ Day Celebration that comes off on 4th December, 2026 at Sunyani, Bono Region.
Japan Motors donated 5 motorcycles to support the farmer for their adent work to support and sustain Ghana’s food security.
In a press release issued by the Ministry, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has extended its profound appreciation to Japan Motors Trading Company Limited for its continued partnership and generous support towards the 42nd National
According to the Ministry, the gesture is a recognition of a vital contribution of farmers and fishers towards national development and underlines the strong partnership between the ministry and the private sector.
“The Ministry remains deeply grateful to the Company for their dedicated commitment to supportthe celebration and the promotion of agricultural development in Ghana,” the statement issued.
The ministry encourages other corporate bodies, financial institutions, development partners and well-meaning Ghanaians to follow this example and support the upcoming 42nd National Farmer’sDay Celebration.
The celebration remains the national platform to honour the hard work, dedication andachievements of Ghanaian farmers and fishers whose efforts remain central to food security, jobcreation and economic growth.
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.
