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Danger looms as drought hits Volta Region rice production.

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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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FAO to support Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda

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Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has held a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr QU Dongyu, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, on the sidelines of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the FAO in key areas of agricultural development.

Opoku outlined Ghana’s commitment to adding value to cash crops such as cocoa, cashew, and shea, as part of a broader strategy to boost exports, create jobs, and enhance farmer incomes.

He also highlighted government efforts to establish Farmer Service Centres and to improve the deployment and capacity of agricultural extension officers, ensuring that farmers receive timely and effective technical support.

Opoku emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security.

On food production, the Minister expressed the government’s intention to increase tomato cultivation and called for enhanced research into underutilised crops such as cassava, which play a crucial role in Ghana’s food systems.

Eric Opoku also appealed for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure to ensure year-round agricultural production across the country.

He lauded the FAO for supporting the rehabilitation and upgrading of the soil testing laboratory in Kumasi to international standards, describing it as a critical facility for improving soil health and boosting crop productivity.

The Minister further requested continued collaboration with the FAO to provide cold storage facilities for yam and other perishable crops to reduce post-harvest losses.

Additionally, the minister appealed for the appointment of more qualified Ghanaians to senior leadership positions within the FAO, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to contributing to global agricultural development.

In response, Director-General QU Dongyu pledged the FAO’s continued support for Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He assured the Minister of the organisation’s readiness to assist in addressing post-harvest losses, mechanising boreholes for irrigation, and supporting innovation-driven solutions to improve productivity.

He also directed the FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel, to initiate the necessary processes for the implementation of irrigation infrastructure, value addition initiatives, and other critical services to enhance food production in Ghana.

The meeting underscored Ghana’s strategic push for agricultural transformation through innovation, value addition, and stronger international partnerships.

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The media contribution in agrifood sector is key to strengthening agrifood system and increasing investment on the continent – AGRA.

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The media is the fourth arms of government that contribute immensely to the development of the nation by educating the public on all manner of issues. However, how often do the media highlight agrifood systems in Ghana?

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MoFA call on stakeholders and the general public to DEBUNK the Expression of Interest for the Agriculture Small and Micro Enterprises Grant Initiatives 2025.

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The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has issued a disclaimer on a recent circulation of a publication on social media platforms with the caption “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE AGRICULTURE SMALL AND MICRO ENTERPRISES GRANT INITIATIVES 2025″.

In a press release issued on 24th June, 2025 by the Ministry, the publication with the said caption sought to invite players in the Agriculture value chain to apply for a non-existing initiative.

The Ministry is calling on the sector players and the general public to note that the link and the content of the said publication are false and intended to deceive unsuspecting Ghanaians.

The Ministry has not called for any such expression of interest.

The General Public is hereby entreated to contact the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit for clarification on issues relating to the Ministry.

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Ghana’s economic growth lies on production, not consumption – Deputy agric minister

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The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo underscored the need for Ghana to transmute from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven economy to achieve greater national efficiency and long-term economic stability.

Speaking at the Ghana-China Business Summit in Accra on Monday, June 23, 2025, Dumelo underscored the importance of increasing agricultural productivity and value addition as key components of this shift.

“To feed our industries and to export is good, and adding value before we export is even better. But what we really need is efficiency, efficiency in maximising the use of the land we have. We must prioritize efficiency when it comes to agriculture,” he stated.

Dumelo noted that a production-focused economic model would drive job creation, support local businesses, and improve Ghana’s food security and export capabilities.

He also emphasised that the country’s economic resilience depends on building a strong foundation in agriculture and industrial production.

The Deputy Minister further called for innovative partnerships with technologically advanced countries, particularly China, to help modernise Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“That’s why it’s important to partner with countries like China to help us maximise the use of our land, especially in the transfer of technology. Even though our doors have been open for a long time, we are opening new doors now”, he explained.

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Ghana’s cocoa farmers optimistic about bumper harvest in 2025/2026 season

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Cocoa farmers in the world’s second-biggest producer Ghana are expecting a bumper harvest for the upcoming 2025/2026 season, buoyed by improved flowering and pod development, even as they grapple with persistent challenges in input supplies and erratic weather.

The West African country has seen output fall in previous seasons due to reasons, including diseases, climate change and rampant illegal gold mining, which destroys cocoa plantations and reduces yields.

However, growers are cautiously optimistic about the next season, saying better weather conditions and a decline in diseases should help increase production.

“Farmers who have dedicated time to their cocoa farms will definitely see a bumper harvest this season,” said Theophilus Tamakloe, cocoa farmer and vice president of a national farmers’ association.

“We are witnessing significant improvement compared to last year in terms of flowers, pods, and leaf health,” Tamakloe, who farms in Ghana’s Assin North district, added.

Tamakloe is projecting an increase from 230 bags of cocoa last season to 350 bags for the upcoming harvest. But he warned that excessive rainfall and a lack of timely fungicide distribution from Ghana’s cocoa regulator, COCOBOD, could undermine yields.

Another farmer, Salomey Saah, echoed Tamakloe’s optimism but shared similar concerns about pest control in an interview with Reuters.

“This year, I approached my cocoa farm as a business, and I have seen tremendous improvement. I’m targeting about 2,000 bags, up from the 1,000 bags I harvested in the 2024/2025 season,” said Saah, who farms in the central-western Tano district.

However, she cautioned that without pesticides, insects could destroy all the crops just within three days.

Kwame Alex, who became the National Best Cocoa Farmer in 2024, produced over 2,000 bags last season. Alex is even more ambitious, aiming to reach 3,000 bags next season, he told Reuters.

COCOBOD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The regulator has not yet announced a production target for the new season which will open in August.

Data from COCOBOD showed in May that Ghana was likely to miss its output target of 650,000 metric tons of the 2024/2025 season.

The West African country’s output is expected to plunge to just 590,000 tons this season.

Ghana and neighbouring Ivory Coast, which together account for over 60% of global cocoa production, have been facing their worst harvests in decades.

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Let’s leverage our strengths to build a food secure Ghana – Dumelo urges Ghanaians

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Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has called on Ghanaians to harness their collective strengths and work together toward building a self-reliant and food secure nation.

Speaking at the Citi Business Forum held on the theme Harnessing Agribusiness for Economic Growth: Expanding Ghana’s Agribusiness Frontiers, in Accra on Thursday June 19, he outlined the government’s commitment to ensuring year-round farming as a cornerstone of national food security.

He emphasised that achieving this goal will require greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Our aim as government is to encourage all-year-round farming,” he said. “And all-year-round farming involves irrigation. Irrigation also involves the private sector. So we are encouraging each and every one of you to get into the private sector part of agriculture so that we can make agric great again.”

The Deputy Minister noted that with the right investments in irrigation infrastructure and technology, Ghana can significantly reduce its dependence on seasonal rainfall and boost agricultural productivity throughout the year.

He stressed that sustainable agriculture must be driven not only by policy but by active citizen participation and innovation.

“Together, let us leverage our collective strengths to build a self-reliant, prosperous, and food secure Ghana for generations to come,” he urged.

Dumelo’s remarks align with the government’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes promoting agribusiness, attracting private investment, and strengthening food systems to withstand climate and economic shocks.

His call comes at a time when global food security remains a pressing concern, and Ghana is seeking to boost domestic production to reduce imports and stabilize food prices

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Strategic investment in agriculture can create over a million jobs – Agri-Impact CEO

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Daniel Fahene Acquaye, agribusiness specialist and Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Group, has underscored the vast job creation potential within Ghana’s agricultural sector, especially for young people.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, June 18, he highlighted Agri-Impact’s Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program, which aims to create job opportunities across the agricultural value chain for young individuals.

He emphasised that Ghana’s reliance on food imports could be transformed into a powerful engine for employment if strategic investments are made in local production.

“If you are importing, let’s say, $600 million worth of rice, convert that into agricultural production and you will see the number of jobs that rice alone can create—if we develop the infrastructure. If the heavy lifting is done by government and the private sector leverages that, rice alone can give us over a million jobs.”

The 326,000 jobs we’re talking about—for us, that’s not even much, because we are looking at four value chains: rice, soya, poultry, and tomatoes. If you look at rice, from the North all the way down, there are so many areas where we can grow more,” he said.

The agribusiness specialist further called for the development of strong agribusiness anchor champions within the private sector to complement government efforts in agricultural infrastructure development.

“We need to build agribusiness anchor champions—private sector actors—because when the government builds the infrastructure, you need people with the resources and knowledge, strong enough to leverage that infrastructure,” Mr. Acquaye emphasised.

Agri-Impact Group is one of the key sponsors of Channel One TV/Citi FM’s AgriFair, scheduled for Friday, June 20th to Sunday, June 22nd, 2025.

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Makola onion seller sues Telecel for GH¢2 million for using her picture without her consent

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An onion seller near Makola Market in Accra, Madam Faustina Djagbele Abbey, has filed a GH¢2 million lawsuit against telecom giant Telecel, operated by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, for what she describes as a gross violation of her privacy, personal liberties, and image rights.

According to court documents filed at the High Court, through her legal counsel Bernard Owiredu Donkor of Thompson Law Consult, Madam Abbey claims Telecel used her photograph without her knowledge or consent in marketing campaigns for the company’s “Telecel Red Save” product.

The said image has reportedly been circulated widely across billboards, traditional media, and social media platforms. In her statement of claim, Madam Abbey avers that she only became aware of the unauthorised use of her image after being alerted by friends and customers.

She says the unexpected publicity has led to psychological distress, strained family relations, and misconceptions about her financial status.

According to her, some family members now assume she has become financially well-off, resulting in tension and discomfort in her personal life.

“The use of my photograph without my consent has unnecessarily exposed me,’ Madam Abbey noted in her writ.

“| am unable to deal with the enormous publicity. It has impacted heavily on my mental health.”

She also alleges that Telecel’s actions were deliberate and targeted, exploiting her vulnerable position as a market trader for corporate gain.

She warns that the company is likely to continue its conduct unless the court intervenes.

Madam Abbey is seeking three key reliefs from the High Court:

1. A declaration that Telecel violated her privacy and personal liberties.

2. A declaration that her image rights were abused through the unauthorized use of her photo.

3. An order directing Telecel to pay GH¢2,000,000.00 as compensation for the alleged violations.

Additionally, she wants all advertisements bearing her image whether on billboards, social media, or any other platforms to be pulled down.

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TCDA introduces permit regime for palm oil imports; Effective July 14

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The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) has announced a new regulatory framework requiring all importers of palm oil products to register and obtain a permit before engaging in any importation activities. 

The directive, which takes effect on 14th July 2025, is part of a wider move to sanitise the industry and promote sustainable growth in Ghana’s vital oil palm sector.

In a statement released by the Authority copied to GraphicOnline, the regulation applies specifically to imports of Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Crude Palm Olein, and refined Palm Olein (vegetable oil). It mandates that all importers, processors, and traders operating within the oil palm value chain must be registered and licensed under the provisions of the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and L.I. 2471.

The Authority emphasised that the unregulated influx of palm oil into the country has posed considerable challenges to local industry players, especially smallholder farmers and processors, through market distortions and the circulation of substandard products.

“This bold step is to strengthen regulation and streamline operations within Ghana’s vital oil palm sector,” the TCDA said. “We aim to ensure quality and safety standards across all imported palm oil products, protect local producers from unfair competition, generate reliable data on import volumes and sources, and boost investor confidence through improved governance.”

Importers are now required to register at the TCDA Head Office, located at No. 20 Nii Tsatse Dzani Street, East Legon-Ajiriganor, Accra, using the GhanaPost GPS code GD-253-5931. Inquiries and submissions can also be made via phone at 0303 981790 / 0243 946 154 or by email at info@tcda.gov.gh.

The Authority warned that failure to comply with the new directive would constitute a breach of national law and would attract sanctions as prescribed under the TCDA Act and accompanying regulations.

In a move to promote transparency, the TCDA also revealed that it would soon publish a list of all registered and licensed actors in the oil palm sector, further strengthening oversight and public accountability.

The oil palm industry is a key contributor to Ghana’s agricultural economy, employing thousands and supporting local agro-processing.

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Govt to deploy DRIP Machines for nationwide farm road construction – Agric Minister

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The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced that earth-moving equipment procured under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) will soon be deployed to construct farm roads across the country.

He said all districts will be provided with fuel to operate the DRIP machines to ensure they are used for their intended purpose.

Speaking to journalists in Kumasi on Sunday, June 15, Mr. Opoku revealed that the government will temporarily halt all major road construction projects in rural areas to make way for the DRIP equipment to be utilized effectively.

“What we intend to do is to provide all districts with the financial resources to fuel the machines and use the available equipment to develop access roads. This will make it easier to transport food from farms to communities without any difficulty,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that some officials were preparing to award new road construction contracts in rural areas, but he intervened to stop them.

“Just last week, some people were preparing to award contracts for the construction of roads in some rural communities. I asked them to stop because we already have the equipment. All we need to do is provide them with fuel and let them go to work,” he added.

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