Oyster Agribusiness, an innovative agri-tech company specializing in climate-smart agriculture, has raised US$2 million in funding to expand its operations and deepen its impact on smallholder farmers across Ghana.
This milestone was made possible through the support of Root Capital, RDF Ghana, and Sahel Capital Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA FUND), with the fundraising process led by Pangea Africa Limited, a leading Business Development Service provider.
Over the last five years, Oyster Agribusiness has played a pivotal role in transforming the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The company has:
● Paid over GH¢60 million (US$3.8million) to smallholder farmers
● Positively impacted the lives of 4,500 smallholder farmers
● Cultivated over 20,000 acres of farmland
● Supplied over 25,000 tons of agricultural produce to markets locally and internationally.
This fresh capital injection will allow Oyster Agribusiness to expand its operations, reach more farmers, and scale its climate-smart agricultural initiatives, further strengthening the resilience of Ghana’s agricultural sector in the face of climate challenges.
CEO, Edmond Kombat, shared his enthusiasm about the investment and the future of the company: “We are thrilled to have the support of Root Capital, RDF Ghana, Sahel Capital, and Pangea Africa Limited, whose expertise and backing will help us to accelerate our vision.
This investment is a testament to the impact we’ve made with smallholder farmers and the tremendous potential we see in scaling our operations. Together, we are working toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Ghana.”
Pangea Africa Limited played a crucial role in structuring and guiding the fundraising process, ensuring that Oyster Agribusiness attracted the right partners to scale its operations while maintaining its focus on environmental sustainability and empowering smallholder farmers.
“Oyster is a prime example of a growing African agribusiness generating triple bottom-line impact. Under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Edmond Kombat, Oyster is achieving impressive profits while delivering measurable social and environmental benefits, particularly for Ghanaian farmers. They serve as a shining example of leadership to their West African agribusiness counterparts,” Nii Lokko – Partner, Pangea Africa Ltd.
About Oyster AgribusinessOyster Agribusiness is a climate-smart agricultural company dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers through technology and sustainable farming solutions. By working closely with farmers, the company aims to improve productivity, foster economic growth, and contribute to food security in Ghana.
About Pangea Africa LimitedPangea Africa Ventures is a business development service provider that supports startups and growth-stage businesses across Africa. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact, Pangea helps companies scale their operations, access new markets, and raise capital.
The sod-cutting ceremony for the completion of phase II of the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme marked a crucial milestone in the nation’s efforts to combat food insecurity and promote sustainable farming practices.
Last week the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, presided over the formal handover ceremony of the KIS site to Top International Engineering Company (TIEC) for rehabilitation.
The event, held in Akuse, drew key figures from government, international organisations and local communities, underscoring a collaborative approach to agriculture reform in Ghana.
This initiative is part of the broader West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), which aims to cultivate robust food systems to withstand challenges arising from climate change and market fluctuations.
As Ghana takes the lead in promoting sustainable agricultural methods, the modernisation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme is expected to serve as a blueprint for future agricultural projects throughout the country.
Model for future development
The rehabilitation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, financed with $22.5 million from the World Bank, builds on prior investments of over $90 million dedicated to irrigation modernisation across Ghana from 2019 to 2021.
The speech delivered by the minister emphasised that $62 million had already been allocated to the first phase of the Kpong scheme, reflecting the government’s steadfast dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Kpong scheme is set to become a hallmark of sustainable irrigation practices, contributing to the enduring resilience of food production systems.
Similar projects, including the Weta, Vea and Tanoso irrigation schemes, align with the overarching goal of empowering farmers and communities.
As the sod was cut and the sun dipped below the horizon, it marked not just the start of a new project, but a promising era in agricultural resilience, positioning Ghana to better tackle the implications of climate change while striving for food security.
With collaborative efforts and innovative strategies leading the way, the future of agriculture in Ghana appears bright.
The rehabilitation project, with a budget of $22.6 million and support from the World Bank, aims to enhance crucial infrastructure, including irrigation systems, drainage facilities, and access roads.
Additionally, it plans to introduce advanced water delivery technologies, ultimately benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers in the region.
Historically, the Kpong Irrigation Scheme has been crucial for the agricultural economy, particularly for smallholder rice farmers and large-scale operations such as Golden Exotic.
Upon completion, this project is expected to significantly increase crop yields and improve the livelihoods of local farmers amid environmental challenges.
Other irrigation developments
GIDA is currently leading some of the most ambitious irrigation projects in the country’s history, including the development of 19 small earth dams in the Northern regions and the esteemed Afram Plains Economic Enclave Irrigation project in the Eastern and Ashanti regions.
This project alone will increase our existing public irrigation schemes by an impressive 5,000 hectares, expanding them from 19,000 hectares. Additionally, the ministry is advancing the Tamne Irrigation Project’s expansion, which will add 800 hectares, alongside the rehabilitation of the Vea Irrigation Scheme, covering 750 hectares.
Upon completion of these initiatives, the total area under public irrigation schemes will rise to 24,000 hectares, with the strategic vision potentially leading to another 5,000 hectares being brought under irrigation.
Agricultural resilience
During the sod cutting ceremony, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Yaw Frempong Addo, who represented the Minister for Food and Agriculture, underscored the occasion’s significance.
Echoing this year’s National Farmers’ Day theme: “Building Climate-Resistant Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security”, Dr Bryan emphasised the need for cooperative action among
ECOWAS nations to address food system risks linked to climate change.
“The West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) is designed to enhance preparedness against food insecurity and fortify food systems,” the World Bank Country Director and Task Team Leader for FSRP in West Africa and Ghana, Ashwini Rekha Sebastian, stated.
This collaborative endeavour represents a critical advancement in strengthening food systems not only in Ghana but across the sub-region.
Innovative solutions
The FSRP emphasises innovative and adaptive solutions across various developmental areas. Key initiatives include establishing veterinary and plant laboratories, seed banks, and rehabilitating critical warehousing and market facilities to foster effective regional trade.
Integrated support for value chain participants, particularly concerning staple crops such as rice, maize, broiler poultry, soybeans and tomatoes, is strengthened by strategic investments in technology.
The government is also working with the Ghana Meteorological Agency to provide tailored weather and climate information services through new equipment such as automated weather stations—an insightful approach to agricultural adaptation.
Encouraging youth engagement
Against this backdrop of progress, there is a renewed call for Ghanaians, especially the youth, to seize opportunities presented by the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0) initiative.
“We urge the youth to explore business prospects in the agricultural sector,” the minister emphasised, encouraging them to engage with modern agricultural practices that promise sustainability and growth
Founder and flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party, and the notable Cocoa Farmer, Akua Donkor is reported dead.
She died on Monday night at 10 PM. According to reports, she died at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital ( Ridge Hospital) where was on admission.
Details about the cause of her death is not yet known.
She died at age 72.
Donkor was born on February 1952. She hails from Afigya Kwabre District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. She is a cocoa farmer by profession with no formal education.
Madam Donkor was elected assembly woman for Herman, a step towards achieving her ambition of becoming the President of Ghana.
She burst onto the scene in the 2012 where she applied to contest as an independent candidate.
Mercury and other heavy metals in the country have contaminated over 60% of the West African country’s water sources, according to Ghana’s Water Resources Commission.
Illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana has been linked with the destruction of the environment and illness. But for some, the practice known locally as galamsey provides livelihoods and an informal boost to the West African nation’s economy.
With a general election approaching in December, galamsey is proving to be a hot-button issue for the nation’s lawmakers — including President Nana Akufo-Addo — in the face of widespread demonstrations across the country calling for a crackdown on the practice.
In the nation’s capital, Accra, earlier this month, hundreds took to the streets for three days of protests, some carrying signs saying, “Greed is killing Ghana,” and, “Gold for the few, destruction for the many.”
Many carried bottles containing murky, brown water, a reference to the polluting of rivers and waterways in the country. Mercury and heavy metals have contaminated over 60% of the country’s water sources, according to Ghana’s Water Resources Commission.
“If you can drink it, you will stop this protest,” one of the protesters says in a video posted on social media by the activist group #StopGalamsey.
In just the first half of this year, 36% of the gold produced in Ghana came from legal small-scale mines, with a value of around $1.7 billion, according to Ghana’s Ministry of Land and Resources.
But the real total might be much greater, and some estimates suggest that less than 30% of small-scale mines are formally registered with the government, meaning the gold they mine goes under the radar.
Widespread destruction
Legal commercial mines, many of which are operated by multinational firms, often have heavy machinery to dig deep in one concentrated area. But for galamsey, due to its low-budget nature, illegal miners will dig shallow holes across a greater surface area, often near bodies of water. When these holes are not filled back in, the quality of previously arable land diminishes.
The miners will also mix harmful substances like mercury with water to extract the gold they find. This water then leeches into the water supply, tainting sources of water for entire communities.
In August, Ghana Water Ltd., the country’s main water supplier, said it would not be able to provide water to residents of the city Cape Coast and its major surrounding areas because galamsey miners had polluted the nearby Pra River to such a degree that its water could not be treated properly.
Other major rivers like the Ankobra, Oti, Offin and Birim have also been contaminated, sparking public outrage and criticism on social media, while the use of heavy equipment like bulldozers has destroyed forests and affected farmland, according to a report last month by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank.
After Akufo-Addo took power in 2017, the report said, “the state has pursued high-cost interventions such as deploying soldiers in various missions to arrest illegal miners.” It added that in “some instances, mining equipment like excavators were seized and burned.”
But the threat of high sentences and hefty fines has done little to stop illegal miners from destroying thousands of acres of cocoa plantations and virgin forest, according to data from the online monitoring platform Global Forest Watch.
Yaw Amoafo, who owns several small gold mines employing 20 to 30 people each, said public anger at galamsey mining has forced him to cease operations. He added that he feared the government would introduce a short-term ban on small-scale mining, like the one it implemented in 2017.
While he needed water for his business, he said, “at the same time I need it to drink it or bathe with it. So why should I go and spoil it before using it?”
“After doing everything, you have to reclaim the land so that the land will be available for plantation,” he said, before acknowledging that most Ghanaians did not associate mining with land restoration.
While Ghana’s Minerals Commission does not give licenses to mining operations near waterways, Amoafo said that “most of the rivers in Ghana carry gold,” so the likelihood of finding the precious metal was higher near and in the country’s water sources.
Economic benefit
With gold prices rising by almost 40% over the past year, Ghana, as Africa’s top gold producer and the sixth largest in the world, should be in a position to capitalize.
But commercial gold refineries are lying idle in the country, which suffered a severe economic crisis in 2022 that required a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
“Most of the customers do not even opt to refine in Ghana, because when you refine here, you do not have the hallmark to authenticate it,” said Eddie James Richmond, a metallurgist for the Sahara Royal Gold Refinery, which is based in Accra.
That hallmark comes from the London Bullion Market Association, a U.K.-based trade association that has become the global standard for gold and silver refineries around the world.
The LBMA maintains a “good delivery list” of about 65 gold refineries worldwide that have been proven to source gold legally. Its certification allows gold bars to be sold directly to any precious metals exchange or financial institution worldwide, but only one refinery in South Africa is accredited to issue it.
Making that list can be an arduous task and can take between three and five years, during which time a refinery must refine 10 tons of legally sourced gold at a 99.9% purity level a year.
“They need to know where every gram of gold that they’re refining comes from,” said Neil Harby, the LBMA’s chief technical officer.
Around 20% of the gold produced around the world comes from small-scale miners, but less than 0.05% of it goes through an LBMA-accredited refinery, Harby said.
As a result, a large amount of this gold goes undeclared and billions of dollars’ worth of the precious metal is smuggled out of Africa each year, according to a 2022 report by Swissaid, a nongovernmental organization based in Switzerland that supports projects in the developing world.
“Twelve African countries are involved in smuggling more than 20 tons of gold a year. Most gold smuggling in Africa takes place in Mali, Ghana and Zimbabwe,” it said.
As a result, the State Department warned in an advisory last year, “the use of gold as currency, the cash-intensive nature of elements of the gold trade, and gold’s portability and lack of traceability — particularly from mining to refining — makes it an attractive vehicle by which criminal organizations, armed groups, terrorist organizations, and others seek to move illicit gains, purchase weapons, evade sanctions.”
Ghana is nonetheless looking to get more control over its top commodity. Earlier this year it opened the government-backed Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, with the intent of getting it accredited by the LBMA.
Harby said this could help the country to build its reserves. “You can be turning your small-scale mined gold into good delivery bars, which are stored in your central bank.”
The standards make sure “your Ghanaian refinery is as good as your South African refinery is as good as your North American refinery,” he added. “You all meet that global standard because you’re equal.”
Right to Food for Better Life and Better Future is critical to attaining SDGs of the United Nations. However, due to the climate crisis efforts to combat hunger are currently off track, leading to significant food inflation worldwide.
To address this challenge across the globe during World Food Day, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, (Crop), Yaw Frimpong Addo delivering the speech on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture expressed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition.
He emphasized the need for improved food and nutrition for all citizens. His remarks highlighted the alarming statistic that nearly 29% of the global population experiences food insecurity.
According to the World Bank, efforts to combat hunger are currently off track, leading to significant food inflation worldwide.
He pointed to regional disparities in food security in Ghana, linking the challenges to climate change and the heavy reliance of farmers on rainfall. He noted that only 1% of the farming population has access to irrigation systems, while the majority depend solely on rainwater for agricultural activities.
This dependency makes food production vulnerable to climate variability, exacerbating food insecurity.
The Deputy Minister detailed various government interventions aimed at mitigating food insecurity in Ghana. He highlighted the “Planting for Food and Jobs” Phase Two initiative, designed to boost local food production and alleviate hunger.
Additionally, he mentioned the “Ghana Cares Obaatanpa” program, among other initiatives, that will contribute to addressing food security challenges in the country.
Emphasizing the government’s dedication, the deputy minister affirmed the commitment to realizing the theme of this year’s celebration: “Right to Food for Better Life and Better Future.”
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development also reiterated its commitment to the theme of this year’s World Food Day celebration.
They highlighted that the focus on the “Right to Food for a Better Life” aligns with their developmental agenda aimed at eradicating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. The ministry acknowledged the significant role that fish plays in the diet of many Ghanaians, particularly given health concerns related to meat consumption.
Furthermore, the ministry introduced the National Aquaculture Plan, which is a blueprint for enhancing food availability, especially in fish production. This initiative aims to improve food security and provide Ghanaians with access to nutritious sources of protein.
Ms. Aurore Rusiga, the Country Director of the World Food Programme, also underscored the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.
She emphasized the necessity of providing safe and nutritious food for all. Rusiga urged Ghanaians to engage in food production that meets international standards, particularly those recognized by the United Nations market.
“The right to food is not merely about having something to eat; it encompasses ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food,” she asserted.
Rusiga emphasized that the WFP in Ghana is dedicated to improving access to food and supporting smallholder farmers in their efforts to produce food sustainably.
The FAO also highlighted its crucial role in promoting food security. FAO Country Representative Ms. Priya Gujadhur shared a statistic, indicating that over 730 million people around the world lack access to adequate food.
She explained that the FAO is actively working to enhance the livelihoods of more than 12,000 smallholder farmers across six districts in Ghana. The organization firmly believes that food is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental human right.
World Food Day, observed every October 16, serves as a vital reminder of the global fight against hunger and malnutrition. Established by the FAO, this day focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and equitable access to food for all. The theme for 2024, “Right to Food for a Better Life,” advocates for recognizing food as a fundamental human right.
This significant event brought together various dignitaries and stakeholders committed to addressing food security issues. Among the notable attendees were the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture (Crops), Yaw Frimpong Addo; representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development; delegates from the World Food Programme (WFP); and officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among others.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has urged the government to outline sustainable solutions to address food insecurity in the country.
The Chamber stated this in a press release dated October 10, 2024, signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Kofituo Morrison.
Farmer Morrison acknowledged the government’s efforts to provide relief to farmers affected by the recent dry spell.
He indicated that the announcement made by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong (PhD), regarding the distribution of food grants to over 800,000 farmers affected by the dry spell in the northern and middle belts of the country would be a good solution, in their estimation, if a more sustainable and long-term approach were proposed to address the root causes of food insecurity when such situations arise.
The Chamber of Agribusiness outlined steps that the government should follow to ensure food security and curb food insecurity in the country.
The Chamber indicated that the government should provide funds to expand existing dams. “This action will enable farmers to engage in dry-season farming, reducing reliance on seasonal rainfall for cropping. This will not only ensure food availability throughout the year but also improve farmers’ livelihoods through enhanced but sustainable incomes,”.
“In addition to this, the government should procure and supply irrigation pumps, drip lines, water pipes, sprinklers, and other relevant accessories to affected areas for use. This will enhance food production during dry seasons and promote self-sufficiency in productivity,” Morrison added.
Farmer Morrison further highlighted that engaging banks, financial institutions, and agro-input importers to reduce interest rates and debt repayment modes for affected farmers will alleviate the financial burdens stemming from loans and facilities they have contracted for their business activities.
He stated, “It is believed that the funds from these reduced burdens can enable farmers to reinvest in their farms to make up for the shortfall this situation has caused. The end outcome of this action will lead to increased productivity and food security throughout the country.”
“Again, we urge the government to establish a National Agriculture Social Protection Mechanism. The government can do this by developing a 10-year policy brief that spells out a well-documented and coherent Agriculture Social Protection Intervention Mechanism with a deliberate integration and development of a comprehensive program to drive socio-economic protection for farmers in Ghana.
The Chamber strongly believes that by integrating these components and implementing the proposed strategy, Ghana can establish a robust Agriculture Social Protection Intervention Mechanism to protect and empower its farmers to face the future with well-thought-out solutions when situations like this arise,” Morrison stated.
Another key step the government can take is to address the root causes of food insecurity in the country, especially those causes linked to climate change.
It is their view that climate change has exacerbated food insecurity in Ghana, particularly in the northern regions.
Research has shown that adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as dry-season farming and mulching, can improve household nutrition and food security.
The Chamber urges the Ministry to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity, some of which include galamsey, the non-availability of drought-resistant seeds, and poor funding of farmers, rather than providing temporary relief.
The Chamber again urges the government to establish a National Agriculture Risk Management Agency. This agency would serve as a proactive measure to prevent and mitigate risks, ensuring the sector’s resilience, stability, and sustainability in both good and bad seasons.
Additionally, an Agriculture Emergency Preparedness Strategy should be commissioned for Ghana. These two systems and structures are crucial for the country’s agricultural sector development. By establishing these forward-looking agencies and strategies (National Agriculture Risk Management Agency and Agriculture Emergency Preparedness Strategy), Ghana can ensure a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, better equipped to manage risks and respond to emergencies.
“We wish to reiterate that research shows that the adoption of improved agricultural technologies can increase productivity and income for farmers.”
However, they posed questions to the government for clarity:
What level of technical planning went into and led to this decision by the government?How does this distribution align with the overall food security and agricultural development strategy for Ghana?
What criteria were used to identify the 800,000 farmers, and how will the grants be distributed fairly and efficiently?
How will this short-term solution address the long-term effects of climate change and agricultural productivity in Ghana?
Is the distribution of food grants within the Ministry’s role and mandate, or should other agencies be involved?
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana further calls on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to reconsider its approach and adopt sustainable solutions that promote food security, productivity, and resilience.
It is the Chamber’s hope that, as a key stakeholder, their suggestions and recommendations will be integrated into the solutions being offered by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).
It is undeniable facts that high-quality crop production is hindered due to the attack of fungi and insects; this affects food security contributing to the high cost of food in Ghana.
To alleviate this and protect crops from fungi and insects for high-quality crop protection, Syngenta a global CP manufacturer in collaboration with, Miqdadi Limited have launched two crop protection products, Ortiva 250SC and Eforia 045ZC onto the Ghana market.
Ortiva is a broad-spectrum contact and systemic fungicide designed to combat various diseases, including botrytis, rust, anthracnose, ring spot, ascochyta and downy mildew in vegetables, field crops and fruit trees. It can also be used for post-harvest treatment some fruit crops.
Eforia 045ZC, on the other hand, is an insecticide known for its fast action and high efficiency against a wide range of adult insects and their larvae. It offers a fast acting with unique trans-systemic and knockdown effect providing growers a versatile pest solution for all crop type.
These two products were launched simultaneously by Syngenta in collaboration with Miqdadi on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Tomreik Hotel in East Lagon.
During the launch, Kinsley Adade, the country manager of Syngenta, provided detailed insights into Ortiva. He described it as a powerful solution for protecting crops against numerous diseases.
Ortiva contains the active ingredient Azoxystrobin, which is registered in over ninety-two countries and is suitable for more than 120 different crops.
Adade emphasized that Ortiva ensures excellent disease control and boasts unique systematic properties that enhance its effectiveness.
He further elaborated on the benefits that Syngenta offers with Ortiva, stating that the product not only improves water stress tolerance and root development but also enhances disease control, photosynthesis, and nitrogen utilization in the soil.
Adade highlighted that Ortiva significantly contributes to extending the shelf life of crops, keeping the leaves green for longer periods, and providing efficient photosynthetic value.
According to Mr. Adade Ortiva leads to higher yields and better-quality produce.
Speaking to Agric Today at the launch, Mr. Adade explained that the optimal use of Ortiva involves applying it preventively or curatively, advising that it is more effective to address disease early on to mitigate the risk of yield or quality loss. He recommended applying Ortiva at the early stages of a disease attack for the best results.
Mr. Adade also discussed the composition of Ortiva, which consists of fifty percent water, twenty-five percent active ingredients, and twenty-five percent composed of antifoaming agents, biocides, adjuvants, antifreeze agents, and dispensing agents. This well-balanced formulation is designed to maximize the product’s efficacy and safety.
Mr. Adade emphasized Syngenta’s commitment to providing top notch products tailored to support growers through the partners such as Miqdadi. He urged farmers to patronize crop protection solutions from Syngenta which would assure them of good yields which would be of high quality suited for the global market.
During the presentation of Eforia 045ZC, Jose Delmare Kouassi, the customer marketing manager for Syngenta West and Central Africa, explained that this product is specifically designed for pest control in vegetables and other field crops
He highlighted that Eforia is rapidly absorbed by leaves once sprayed, providing a lasting effect while providing effective pest control. The product is effective against various chewing and sucking pests, including aphids, fruit flies, and Lepidoptera, among many others.
Kouassi also shared important information regarding the application of Eforia. He indicated that it should be applied 20 to 30 days after sowing.
He stressed the importance of following the label instructions carefully for optimal results. He emphasized safety and insisted that users wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during application.
Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong, opened up about the government’s meticulous planning to cushion the agricultural sector from the impacts of the dry spell experienced this year.
The dry spell, which many feared would trigger a food crisis, was anticipated and accounted for well before it struck.
“We knew about the dry spell and had projected its impact as far back as February,” Bryan Acheampong revealed, underscoring the Ministry’s proactive stance in mitigating the effects of the adverse weather conditions.
“We’ve been working to ensure that if it did happen, we would not feel that much of an effect on our food systems,” he said in a recent interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.
The Minister explained that the Ministry implemented a strategic action plan to support Ghanaian farmers and safeguard the country’s food security.
He credited this early planning for the stability in food prices, particularly in a year when a significant drought could have had devastating consequences.
“It is not something that just dropped out of the sky; it’s something that we planned for, and we are beginning to see the fruits of it,” he said.
October is usually a critical month for the arrival of grains from the northern regions on the market.
Bryan Acheampong acknowledged that while maize prices had risen due to lower production during the dry spell, other staple food prices had remained stable or even decreased, thanks to the Ministry’s efforts.
“By now, the northern grains should have been on the market. It is not so, but the price of food should have been way through the roof.
“Yet, there’s a lot of food on the market,” he remarked, citing stable prices for staples such as plantain, tomatoes, and cassava.
The Minister further stated that while the maize market faced challenges, the overall food supply remained resilient due to the Ministry’s interventions.
“Except for maize, every other staple that we consume, the price is either coming down or has been relatively stable,” Bryan Acheampong noted.
He also mentioned that the Ministry is working hard to contain the maize price increase by ensuring that enough supplies enter the market.
Food and Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong has expressed scepticism about recent data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) on food prices and inflation, questioning the sources of their information.
Speaking on PM Express Business Edition on Joy News, he said his Ministry’s own tracking of food prices paints a different picture than what has been reported.
“I don’t know where Statistical Service collected their data from,” the Minister stated bluntly.
“I am in every part of this country daily. I get data on farm gate prices of almost 22 commodities that we are tracking. I get market prices of these items daily.”
Bryan Acheampong highlighted the fact that while maize prices have indeed risen due to the dry spell, prices for other essential food items such as plantain, tomatoes, onions, and cassava have dropped significantly.
“Plantain has dropped by 27%, tomatoes by 30%, onions by 11%, and cassava by 13%,” he said, dismissing the idea that food prices are spiralling out of control.
He added, “This is what is happening on the ground… If you go to the market, the prices of everything, except maize, are coming down.”
The Minister also pointed out the misunderstanding in how inflation figures are presented.
According to him, the Ghana Statistical Service’s method of comparing September 2024 prices to those of September 2023 doesn’t reflect the more recent downward trend in food prices.
“Inflation figures for September are comparing prices from September this year to last year September. But I am telling you, from January to date, the price of food is going down,” Bryan Acheampong clarified.
He elaborated further by noting that despite the dry spell, food prices had largely stabilised, especially during September.
“Notwithstanding the announcement of the dry spell, we’ve seen a significant decrease in the prices of food on the market. The foods that we eat—tomatoes, onions, peppers, cassava, plantain, soya, sorghum, millet—except for maize, everything is going down.”
Bryan Acheampong concluded by reaffirming his commitment to keeping his finger on the pulse of Ghana’s food systems and ensuring accurate data is provided.
He suggested that the Statistical Service’s methods may not capture the day-to-day realities of the markets as closely as his Ministry’s data.
Many perishable food items on the market have been observed to be deteriorating at a faster rate than usual in recent times.
The alarming revelation has been attributed to the abuse and misuse of inorganic fertilizer applications.
The situation is heavily impacting the marketing of such produce as traders bemoan post-harvest losses, particularly of vegetables such as okra and pepper.
At the Ayigya market in Kumasi, traders are noticing the declining quality of vegetables they purchase from various farming communities.
Felicity Osei, a trader at the market, indicated that her baskets of pepper lasted longer and only shrunk in size before rotting, but now they deteriorate within just three days.
She notes the vegetable barely changes colour or dry out as they did previously before perishing.
“In the past, you could see a color change before they spoiled. Nowadays, tomatoes are visibly coated with a lot of pesticides. The vegetables do not change in color before they rot, but earlier the vegetables would change in color before rotting. The visibility of weedicide on tomatoes is much,” she stated.
The traders fingered the excessive application of fertilizer on farms as the possible cause of the disturbing trend.
Causes of early deterioration
Scientists at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) confirmed the situation, asserting that the pesticides are not the only contributing factor.
Weed Scientist, Dr. Stephen Arthur, explains the application of pesticides distort the biochemical structure of the crops, weakening their natural ability to withstand certain weather conditions or external factors.
“Any part of the plant where the herbicide touches their deterioration is. It destroys the cells and causes necrosis and general distraction of the plant,” he said.
He noted some herbicides like the paraquat, otherwise called Gramazone, are known to deteriorate the crop’s shelf life.
Dr. Arthur stated that the farmers do not go by the recommended dosage and time use.
“I observed farmers using paraquat on fruits today and harvesting them the following day for the market. In this situation, the fruit is still alive, so once it is picked, it begins to deteriorate,” he said.
Pathogens have also been identified to contribute to the early spoilage of the vegetables.
Plant pathologist, Dr. Akwasi Aidoo, observed pathogens aid the destruction of the crops after pesticide destroys the plant tissues, leading to premature aging and destruction of the plant’s defense mechanism.
“This makes the plant more vulnerable to pathogens and disrupts the regulation of plant hormones, ultimately affecting respiration since the fruit is still alive,” he said.
Climate change is also not an overruled contributory factor as the warming climate and humid conditions are reported to aid in rapid deterioration.
The warning
Dr. Arthur is warning farmers against the use of the herbicide, paraquat, on any plant during fruit setting and/or flowering as they are said to have a carry-over effect – the transfer of unwanted materials to another organism.
He is advising farmers to observe the pre-harvest interval to avoid the deterioration and harmful exposure of the crops to chemicals.
“The whitish substance observed on fruits results from farmers not applying paraquat in a timely manner. In our interactions with some farmers, they said the market women are the ones asking to see the whitish substance on their vegetables; otherwise, they won’t buy them at a reasonable price, which leads to losses for the farmers,” he said.
The condition not only affects the freshness and appeal of the produce, but also begs the question about food safety and the health implications for consumers. How to store the crops
There are however ways both farmers and vegetable vendors can adopt to prevent their crops from deteriorating at a faster pace.
Farmers are advised to harvest at dawn and dusk when temperatures are lower as the higher degrees of heat can cause plant stress.
Abigail Amoa-Owusu, a Post Harvest Technologist, highlighted the essence of storing the harvested crops in a cool environment.
“Right after harvesting, the produce must be stored in a farmhouse or a very cool place to prevent heat from building up on the produce. Farmers should sort the produce by separating the leaves from the mother plant and distinguishing the ripe ones from the unripe ones.
“After separating, you should use a good packaging material like a plastic crate and place it in a truck, either a cool van or a truck with a white trampoline to reflect the heat from the produce,” she said.
However, for rapidly perishable vegetables like pepper and okra, storing them at around 8 to 10°C is optimum.
Onions, on the other hand, must be dried under the sun for 12 to 24 hours after being uprooted from the ground under the process known as field curing.
Ms. Amoa-Owusu explains the process prevents disease infestations, wounds, and maintains the colour of the onion ensuring it lasts for more than 6 months.
As an individual, storing these food items is crucial for healthy living.
The scientists advised washing of the vegetables in white vinegar and water to minimize pesticide residue.
“For pepper and tomato, they are high in ethylene, so you should not put them in one packaging material because it causes fast deterioration.
Amidst these prevailing challenges, the traders want stricter surveillance by the Food and Drugs Authority in ensuring the farmers adhere to the proper use of the fertilizers and other good farming practices.
“The food and drug authorities should do more research about the chemicals being used because humans’ beings are very wicked and would purchase the wrong products and sell them for a higher price,” said Mary Ahenkrah, a trader.
