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.
Ghana imports about $400 million worth of chicken every year, President John Mahama said.
The President said the imports ought to be a source of shame for all Ghanaians, reiterating plans to support 54 individuals to produce four million birds that would amount to 10,000 metric tons of chicken.
President Mahama stressed his government commitment to advancing livestock development to improve cattle production and small ruminants, including goats and sheep, and improving access to high-quality breeds alongside.
The President made this known when he launched the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative in Techiman in the Bono East Region.
He said the livestock production component of the programme would also focus on agro production enclaves and infrastructure.
That involves the execution of irrigation systems, improved road infrastructure, provision of power supply, and establishment of warehousing facilities that would attract private investment.
The President said that the programme would further enhance the production and processing of agricultural produce.
President Mahama presented maize seeds, fertilizers, a Kia truck, and tractors to some institutions including the Ghana Prisons Service, National Service Authority to spearhead the implementation of the programme.
He called for unity and shared commitment in transforming the nation’s agriculture, as a driver of national growth and prosperity, saying the Feed Ghana Programme presented a proactive initiative rather than just a policy.
Admitting some challenges in the sector, the President said he was highly optimistic that the implementation of the programme would achieve successes, and called on farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and development partners to join forces for the programme to achieve desirable outcomes.
The programme aims to implement strategic measures to increase food production, promote the adoption of modern farming techniques, improve infrastructure, and establish agro-industrial zones across Ghana.
President Mahama said key interventions within the Feed Ghana Programme include smart agriculture involving establishment of farmers’ service centres nationwide.
The centres will provide essential services such as mechanization, quality inputs, financial support, market access, primary processing and training for farmers.
President Mahama announced the creation of farm banks or land banks in designated irrigable zones to support young agri-entrepreneurs and contribute to the enhancement of national food production.
He said the second component of the programme, grains and legumes development would also focused on increasing the production of maize, rice, soya beans, and sorghum for consumption, agro-processing, and export.
The third component, which is vegetable development project or ‘Yeredua’ aimed at reducing imports from neighbouring countries by promoting the cultivation of vegetables locally.
President Mahama highlighted the importance of investing in controlled environmental farming, such as greenhouse technologies, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and promoting schools to grow their own vegetables through backyard gardening.
The fourth component of the initiative will focus on promoting institutional farming to empower households and communities to cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and garden eggs to enhance self-sufficiency.
It will also extend support to institutions such as Senior High Schools to access lands to engage in crop production and livestock farming.
The fifth component of the programme involves the revitalization of the poultry industry, known as the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project.
THE Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) wants a diversification of export destinations following the sudden imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States (U.S) by the Trump administration.
It said the U.S has been one of Ghana’s key export destinations, especially under preferential trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
However, the new tariff measure, which many exporters did not anticipate, has forced exporters to reconsider their strategies and explore alternative markets.
In an interview with Graphic Business, the President of FAGE, Davis Korboe, described the development as a “big blow” to Ghana’s export sector, noting that the move has disrupted trade flows and raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s heavy dependence on the U.S. market.
“Our cost of production is already very high in Ghana. Adding a 10% tariff makes our products uncompetitive in the U.S. market. This is why we’ve always advocated diversification. We can’t keep all our eggs in one basket,” he said.
Tariff
The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on April 2, 2025 announced a unilateral 10% tariff, effective April 5, 2025, covering imports from all countries, including Ghana, into the United States.
However, goods that are in transit as of the date were exempt from the announced tariffs. In addition, reciprocal tariffs were also imposed on over 50 countries, with rates ranging from 11% to 50% effective April 9, 2025.
According to President Trump’s Executive Order, the tariffs were being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) due to economic and national security implications of the country’s global trade deficits.
The Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. These products include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products and certain critical minerals.
The US market provides a ready-made complementary market destination for several important priority export products from Ghana such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, horticulture products, including root crops (yam), fruits, vegetables and cashew.
AfCFTA
Mr Korboe said rethinking and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an alternative trade strategy and wind towards the African market will be a viable platform for growth for exporters.
However, he said significant barriers such as poor transport infrastructure, long customs procedures and inconsistent trade regulations which makes intra-African trade costly and inefficient must be addressed for the continent’s trade potential to be fully realised.
“There’s a $3.7 trillion market right here on the continent. We should be deploying efforts to access those opportunities, it is time to prioritise regional trade fairs, cross-border logistics, and targeted market intelligence to understand what the African market demands.”
We believe in the AfCFTA, but the practical issues on the ground—like delays at the borders and logistics challenges—are killing our competitiveness, Mr Korboe said.
Exporters in limbo
He disclosed that the unexpected nature of the tariff has left many exporters scrambling to renegotiate contracts and clarify cost burdens with U.S. buyers.
According to him, several shipments were already en route, and there is uncertainty about whether Ghanaian exporters or their American partners will absorb the added cost.
“This is not just a trade policy issue—it’s a livelihood issue, for many exporters, their margins are already thin. If they have to take on the 10% cost, it could drive them out of business,” he said.
Govt engagement underway
He added that FAGE has begun engaging key state institutions, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to explore both diplomatic and trade remedies.
While negotiations continued, he encouraged members of FAGE to use the moment to rethink Ghana’s export strategy.
“This is not the time to panic, but to plan. We must use this disruption to realign our trade priorities and strengthen intra-African trade,” Mr Korboe added.
Govt’s response
In a statement issued last Saturday, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry assured the Ghanaian private sector, especially major exporters, investors and the public of the government’s commitment to engage the United States of America on the imposition of tariffs on Ghanaian products to avoid trade disruptions and investment decisions in the country.
The ministry said it was also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent, and to assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy.
It added that various strategies were under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade.
Development
The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, held a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss the details of the tariffs and explore ways U.S and Ghana could further strengthen partnership.
Ambassador Palmer offered a hint of possible compensatory measures, suggesting Ghana might benefit relative to others.
“I hope Ghana will get some advantages vis-à-vis its competitors,” she said.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that the producer price of cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 season.
In a letter to the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana (LICOBAG), COCOBOD explained that the decision followed a thorough assessment of the operational and financial implications for the local cocoa industry.
“This decision comes after careful consideration of the operational and financial implications for the cocoa industry,” said Dr. James Kofi Kutoati, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, in the letter dated April 8, 2025.
The Board said the move aims to preserve stability and long-term sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Currently, the cocoa producer price is GH₵3,100 per 64kg bag, representing a slight rise of 0.03% from the previous rate set in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.
The adjustment, which translates to GH₵49,600 per tonne, is intended to align cocoa prices with current market conditions and provide additional support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.
While COCOBOD acknowledged Côte d’Ivoire’s price hike, it hinted at a potential review of producer prices, fees, and margins for stakeholders in the 2025/26 season.
The decision comes at a time when both nations, who together produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa, are working to coordinate pricing through their joint Cocoa Initiative to better protect farmers’ incomes
Ghanaian exporters are bracing for the impact of a new 10% tariff on imports imposed by the United States, which is expected to affect key non-traditional exports.
The measure, announced by US President Donald Trump, has sparked concern among local producers and exporters over potential losses in market share, pricing competitiveness, and earnings from the American market.
According to information supplied by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the new tariff will directly affect Ghana’s cocoa derivatives—a key value-added export segment, garments and textiles, cashew, shea butter, and a range of agricultural products.
With Ghana being one of the world’s leading cocoa producer countries, the move could undermine efforts to expand the country’s footprint in processed cocoa exports.
Garments and textiles, another sector targeted under the tariff per information from the Ministry, could also see a significant setback.
The sector has seen modest growth under trade frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free access to the U.S. market. Industry stakeholders fear the new tariff may erode the cost advantage Ghanaian manufacturers enjoy, making it harder to compete with other low-cost producers globally.
The agricultural sector is not spared either. Exports of cashew, shea butter, fruits, vegetables, and yam—some of Ghana’s top-performing non-traditional exports—are now subject to the increased import duty.
Exporters in these sectors worry that the added cost burden could lead to reduced demand from U.S. buyers or force them to absorb losses to remain competitive.
Analysts say the move could have broader implications for Ghana’s export-led growth strategy and foreign exchange earnings, especially at a time when the country is working to diversify its economy away from raw material exports.
Others are also proposing for the government to leverage on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, sector Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry have been exploring diplomatic engagements with U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer to mitigate the impact after close door meetings on April 7.
Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness and food company in the country, hosted the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at its wheat milling facility in Kpone on Friday, April 4th, 2025.
The minister’s visit, part of the ministry’s ongoing engagement with local manufacturers, provided Olam Agri with the opportunity to discuss the company’s contribution to the food industry and its alignment with the country’s industrial development goals.
During the visits, Ofosu-Adjare and her delegation met with the management and staff of Olam Agri to discuss the company’s strategic investment in Ghana, job creation, and its support for the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
The minister, in her address congratulated Olam Agri for the company’s commitment to safety and wellbeing of its employees.
“I am at Olam Agri today because they are an integral part of agri business in this country. I am impressed with what I have seen so far. The first thing I look at when I visit any factory is their work environment. How safe is it for their employees to work in safety and I think that they have passed that test,” Ofosu-Adjare said.
Adding “Any economy will grow well if there’s import substitution and if we are exporting, it means that there wouldn’t be so much burden on your currency and the cedi will be strong. I think Olam Agri is ticking all these boxes.”
Ofosu-Adjare expressed her appreciation for Olam Agri’s contributions to Ghana’s economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the food industry in Ghana to achieve sufficiency.
Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri, underscored the company’s commitment to the economic development of Ghana through rapid expansion and job creation.
“Ghana has always presented itself as a significant investment opportunity. We have a team of over 1,500 dedicated employees in Ghana whose skills and dedication have been instrumental in our growth. We aim to grow with Ghana, not just in Ghana.”
As part of the visit, the minister and her entourage toured the company’s milling facility, where popular flour brands like First Choice, Royal Gold, Adepa and Vital are produced, to inspect the production processes. The minister and her team used the opportunity to inspect the progress of work on the construction of Olam Agri’s new state-of-the-art pasta production plant.
“This pasta plant aims to meet the growing demand for pasta products in the market. We aim to significantly reduce the reliance on imports of pasta in the country, enhancing trade and import substitution. The wheat mill has also been upgraded to process premium wheat locally, ensuring better quality control and cost efficiency,” said Baibhav.
Over the past 30 years, Olam Agri has grown to become a leading agribusiness and food company in the country, meeting the growing needs of Ghanaian consumers. Its state-of-the-art wheat milling facility was launched in 2012 boosting Ghana’s self-sufficiency in wheat flour production considerably.
In a bold move to address the pressing issue of graduate unemployment, a group of young agripreneurs has initiated the Miss Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Contest 2025.
This innovative initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, inspire innovation, and empower young female agribusiness enthusiasts to become leaders in their field.
Accordingly, the contest is designed to create awareness about the critical role of agriculture in poverty alleviation and to provide a platform for young women to showcase their expertise and leadership skills.
The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable system where supported entrepreneurial teams can receive technical and financial support to build agribusiness companies from the ground up.
“We refuse to be mere onlookers in the face of graduate unemployment,” said by Evans, one of the organizers. “We believe that by empowering young women in agribusiness, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that will benefit not only our generation but also future generations.”
The contest will bring together talented young women from across the country to compete for prizes and recognition.
The winners will receive technical and financial support to establish their own agribusiness companies, creating jobs and opportunities for others.
The organizers are calling on individuals and organizations to sponsor or partner with them to make this initiative a success.
“We believe that this is a worthy cause that deserves support,” said by the deputy head of the planning committee. By partnering with us, you will be contributing to the empowerment of young women and the growth of a sustainable agricultural sector.”
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has announced the rescheduling of the Feed Ghana Programme, which was scheduled for April 11, to April 12, citing critical government activities that requires the attention of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.
The Ministry in a press release dated April 7 and signed by the Public Relations department, stipulated that the official event, rescheduled to April 12, will take place at the Methodist School Park in Techiman, Bono East Region.
The release stated, “The government emphasizes its commitment to addressing food security and enhancing agricultural productivity, and this launch is a pivotal moment in those efforts”.
“In a related development, the Minister for Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce that the University of Ghana has officially signed up to participate in the Feed Ghana Programme under its institutional commercial farming initiatives”.
The Ministry affirmed University of Ghana’s participation in the Feed Ghana Programme.
This partnership aims to leverage academic expertise and resources to bolster sustainable agricultural practices and improve food production across the nation.
The Feed Ghana Programme is expected to play a significant role in transforming the agricultural landscape of Ghana, providing support to farmers, and enhancing the country’s food systems.
“We invite all stakeholders, farmers, and the public to join us for this important event as we embark on a journey towards achieving food security in Ghana”. The Ministry added.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has emphasized that every citizen of Ghana should have a garden within their homes.
This declaration was made during a press conference at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on April 3, 2025, ahead of the official launch of the Feed Ghana flagship program, which is set to take place on April 11, 2025.
During the press briefing, Minister Opoku highlighted that to achieve food sufficiency and mitigate food crises, it is essential for every Ghanaian to actively participate in the Feed Ghana Program.
He made a comparison between this new initiative and Acheampong’s historic ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ policy, noting that while both programs share a common objective, the Feed Ghana Program takes a more modern and different approach to agricultural development.
The Minister noted the importance of reviving the old school farm project, a once widely implemented initiative in various educational institutions across the country.
He suggested that if schools began producing a substantial percentage of the food they consume, it would help reduce the burden on the government to procure large quantities of food for schools under the school feeding program.
Schools would now cultivate their own food products, ensuring that students receive fresh and nutritious meals, while supporting the national food security agenda.
Hon. Eric Opoku further emphasized that should this revival occur, it would eliminate the complaints surrounding the school feeding program, as schools would have the resources and capacity to grow the food they eat.
The Minister assured that the government would provide the necessary tools, resources, and equipment to help schools work on their farms effectively.
Additionally, the Minister urged religious institutions to actively participate in the Feed Ghana program. He noted that religious institutions, with their broad-based membership and community reach, are well-positioned to bring people together and mobilize support for the program, thereby making the program a reality.
Eric Opoku believes that the involvement of religious institutions would significantly contribute to the program’s success, creating a unified effort towards addressing food security.
The Minister again called on all district assemblies across the country to join the campaign of the Feed Ghana program. He stated that the active participation of local government authorities is crucial for the program’s success, as it would ensure that the initiative reaches every corner of the country and truly benefits all Ghanaians.
“Together, we will forge a new path for Ghana’s agriculture. A path that enhances food security, revitalizes our economy, and empowers our farmers. It is time to turn our rich agricultural potential into a reality.” “I urge all Ghanaians to join hands in supporting this initiative, as we work collectively towards a prosperous and food-secure Ghana,” Eric Opoku concluded.
In a significant move to deepen foreign investment in Ghana, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, met with representatives from British International Investment (BII) to explore strategic opportunities, particularly in agribusiness and the financial sector.
The meeting highlighted Ghana’s evolving investment landscape, with a focus on leveraging private capital for economic growth. “Ghana is open for business, and we welcome partners ready to grow with us,” Dr. Forson emphasized.
A major highlight of the discussion was Ghana’s upcoming Palm Industry Policy, aimed at diversifying the nation’s agricultural base beyond cocoa.
The government plans to develop 50,000 hectares of oil palm, beginning with a $100 million investment for the first 20,000 hectares.
“Our goal is to attract private sector investment into large-scale agribusiness that creates jobs and boosts export earnings,” said Dr. Forson.
The Finance Minister also extended an invitation to BII to support the repositioning and growth of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), signaling a broader push to strengthen the banking sector.
BII, which currently holds over $200 million in investments in Ghana—particularly in the energy sector—responded positively, reaffirming their long-term commitment to the country.
“We see Ghana as a priority market in the region,” BII representatives noted.
In a promising development, BII is considering bringing its full Board to Ghana for the first time in nearly a decade, signaling renewed interest at the highest level.
The institution also expressed readiness to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forestry, and other key sectors.
Dr. Forson concluded, “We are creating the right environment for investors who are committed to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
The National Chairman of the Premix Fuel Committee, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has outlined the committee’s key priorities, emphasising the operationalisation of automated stations and ensuring uniform pricing of premix fuel across the country.
These measures aim to address challenges faced by fisherfolk and boat owners who rely on the product.
Speaking on the committee’s agenda on the Channel One Newsroomon Thursday April 3, Dafeamekpor highlighted the progress made in automating vending points, with 30 stations currently operational and plans to activate 80 more.
“Operationalisation of the vending points helps to reduce the participation of middlemen who naturally will want to purchase the fuel, hoard it and up the prices before selling to the final end users who are fisherfolk as well as our boat owners who ferry our people across the Volta Lake and in the coastal areas,” he explained.
Dafeamekpor also stressed the importance of price uniformity, noting that the committee has issued strict directives to ensure compliance.
“The other thing that will be top priority for my committee will be to ensure uniformity in pricing of the product across the country. We had our first quarter meeting today and have given strong directives and guidelines that any landing beach committee, whether inland or marine, that would sell this product to the boat owners and the fishermen above the price stipulated by the committee will be sanctioned,” he stated.
He warned that non-compliance would result in severe consequences, including the dismissal of committee members found guilty of overpricing.
Dafeamekpor also said the committee will train the landing beach committees to help educate the fisherfolks and stakeholders.
The committee’s initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency, curb exploitation by middlemen, and provide much-needed relief to those who depend on premix fuel for their livelihoods.
