The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has issued 25,000 bags of fertiliser for immediate distribution to all the 413 schools registered and participating in the Feed Ghana Programme.
This intervention is part of the Ministry’s efforts to support the ongoing Minor Season crop production and ensure sustained agricultural productivity across the country.
The aim of the fertiliser is to enhance crop yields and strengthen the contribution of school farms, particularly those operated by Primary, Junior High, and Senior High schools, to national food and nutrition security.
The Deputy Feed Ghana Coordinator in charge of Institutional Farming has been directed to ensure the immediate distribution of the fertiliser to all beneficiary schools to facilitate timely application and achieve the desired impact.
The Ministry remains committed to providing the necessary agricultural inputs and technical assistance under the Feed Ghana Programme, which forms a key pillar of the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture , Hon. Emelia Arthur, has announced that Cabinet has approved the establishment of Ghana’s first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Greater Cape Three Points Area in the Western Region.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, October 20, 2025, Hon. Arthur described the move as a landmark national milestone in Ghana’s efforts toward sustainable marine resource management, biodiversity protection, and safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fisheries for food and income.
She disclosed that Cabinet granted approval for the MPA on October 7, 2025, marking a new chapter in the country’s commitment to responsible stewardship of marine resources. “This decision reinforces government’s dedication to protecting our ocean ecosystem while ensuring that our coastal communities continue to thrive,” the Minister said.
Hon. Arthur noted that Ghana’s domestic fish production has significantly declined in recent years, forcing the country to import over 79,000 metric tons of fish annually to meet local demand. She cautioned that if current trends persist, the depletion of marine resources could further threaten livelihoods and food security in coastal areas.
She highlighted that, despite government interventions such as the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), the National Co-Management Policy (2020), and various Marine Fisheries Management Plans, scientific assessments reveal that existing measures have not been sufficient to reverse the decline of key fish stocks, particularly small pelagic species.
The Minister explained that while Ghana’s fisheries management has traditionally relied on non-spatial tools like seasonal closures and gear restrictions, the government is now shifting towards spatial management approaches, including the establishment of MPAs.
According to her, the introduction of the MPA aligns with international best practices and aims to support fish stock recovery, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable fisheries development.
Hon. Arthur further outlined the roadmap for implementing the MPA, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, scientific monitoring, and community involvement as central pillars of the process.
She therefore called on all stakeholders to collaborate with Government to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative initiative.
The Secretary General of the United Nation Organization, António Guterres has called for effective collaboration to build food systems to nourish the people and protect the planet.
He said this during the 45th World Food Day, commemorating the 80th Food and Agriculture Organization Day of the United Nations with the theme: “Hand in Hand for better Food for Better Future” at the forecourt of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Accra.
Delivering the speech on behalf of the Secretary General, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury said this year’s World Food Day theme is a call for solidarity across borders, sectors and communities. This echoed the priority voice by countries under the food systems summit in July, and the United Nations call to action which identifies the six key areas.
According to him, there are tools, knowledge and resources to end hunger and provide good healthy food to all, however, what is needed is unity, therefore the call to action.
“Today, around the world, 673 million people still go to bed hungry every night. Many more face daily uncertainty about their next meal,” he read.
Shamefully, hunger is being weaponized. We face the appalling reality of people in conflict situations starving, with famine taking hold. This year’s World Food Day theme, Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future, is a call for solidarity across borders, sectors, and communities.
Sec. Gen acknowledged in his speech slow pace of global progress and the retrogression of some regions. He mentioned that new challenges have emerged over the decades from soaring obesity into climate shocks threatening food insecurity.
Bridging it to Ghana’s contribution to the food systems, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury extols Ghana for her delicious delicacies contributing to the food systems.
He commended women for running all the food systems across the world and giving emphases on the commitment and the dedication that women exhibit from the farm till the food gets to the table for consumption.
“Thank you for working together to build Ghana where every child can go to bed with full tummy, can go to school with full tummy and can come home and realized that they don’t have to worry about food in the next day either,” he added.
The 41st National Farmers’ Day commemoration, with the theme: Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” is to be hosted at Ho, the capital region of Volta.
This was revealed by the Minister of Agric, Hon. Eric Opoku at the launch of the 41st National Farmers’ Day at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s forecourt in Accra.
Minister revealed that the choice of Ho is both symbolic and strategic: symbolic because of the region’s rich agricultural heritage, and strategic because it demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development and regional representation.
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agric, delivering his speech during the 41st Farmers’ Day launch.
Symbolically, Volta Region produces a lot of food produce contributing to food security. Produce like yam, cassava, all kinds of vegetables, sweet potatoes and a lot more are produce in the region.
“This year’s theme, Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future, is a timely reminder of our collective responsibility to sustain national food security and economic independence. It underscores the Ministry’s vision to ensure that Ghana produces what she eats and eats what she produces thereby reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic food systems, and creating sustainable jobs across the value chain,” Minister added
The theme also aligns with government’s broader agenda to transform agriculture into a driver of inclusive growth, climate resilience, and national pride.
The Farmers’ Day would be ushered by a fair to showcase Ghana’s agricultural innovations from crops and livestock to mechanisation, irrigation, fisheries, digital agriculture, and value addition.
He urged all the stakeholders, farmers, agribusinesses, research institutions, and development partners to participate actively to achieve the goal of strengthening Ghana’s food systems.
In addition, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, reaffirms the significance of the theme for this year’s Farmers’ Day Celebration. “This year’s celebration “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.” is both timely and significant. It challenges us to produce more locally, consume what we grow and safeguard the natural resources that sustain our livelihoods. “Feed Ghana” calls on us to strengthen production systems through innovation and sustainable practices; “Eat Ghana” reminds us to value and consume what we produce locally; and “Secure the Future” reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect our natural resources and invest in resilient food systems for generations to come.”
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to all the fishers and aquaculture operators for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and invaluable contribution to the sustenance of Ghana’s food system and national development.
Hon. Eric Opoku, the Agric Minister and Hon. Emelia Arthue, Minister of Fisheries surrounded by the gallant farmers during the launch.
Defining their contribution to Ghana’s food systems sustainability, she said fishers and aquaculture operators work tirelessly every day to ensure that our nation meets its fish protein needs.
Their dedication is not only vital to our food security but also to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring good health and well-being for all. By providing safe, affordable and nutritious fish, they play a critical role in improving the health of our population, reducing malnutrition and promoting balanced diets across the country.
She acknowledged the sponsors and partners for their invaluable contributions over the years. The support has ensured that our hardworking fishers and aquaculture operators are duly recognized and celebrated for their dedication and achievements.
She called for their perpetual partnership and support towards the successful organization of the National Farmers’ Day. Together, let us make this year’s event a true celebration of the men and women whose efforts sustain our nation’s food security and economic growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has affirmed that the future of Ghana’s job creation and economic stability lies within the operations of the Tree Crop Development Authority.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Driving Growth in Ghana’s Tree Crop Sector, Dr. Okrah elaborated on the mandate of the TCDA, explaining that the Authority was established by law to regulate, develop, and promote the production and marketing of six selected strategic crops.
These crops, he said, are referred to as CCORMS, “Cashew, Coconut, Oil Palm, Rubber, Mango, and Shea”.
According to him, TCDA’s mandate is to ensure the proper regulation and development of these crops so that the country can fully harness their economic potential.
He emphasized that if Ghana diversifies its agricultural focus and does not rely solely on cocoa but instead gives due recognition to these six tree crops, it will mark a major step toward economic recovery and resilience.
Dr. Okrah highlighted the importance of the tree crop sector in addressing food security challenges.
He particularly noted that investment in coconut alone has the potential to change the fortunes of the nation, while describing oil palm as the country’s “red gold.”
He further stressed that the rubber and mango industries possess enormous potential to transform Ghana’s economy if adequately developed and supported.
Touching on the global significance of shea, Dr. Okrah stated that the crop plays a vital role in international production and trade, with shea trees found abundantly across the country.
He reiterated that the development of the tree crop sector will lead to massive job creation, explaining that the various stages of processing, from cultivation to the final product, will employ thousands of Ghanaians across different levels of the value chain.
Dr. Okrah projected that with adequate investment, each of the six tree crops could generate an average of $2 billion annually, adding that such revenue would provide a significant boost to Ghana’s economy.
He urged investors to channel more resources into the tree crop sector to help the Authority realize its vision of transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape, creating sustainable jobs, and cushioning the national economy against global economic shocks.
Addressing the participant at the 45th UN World Food Day Celebration
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has urged Ghanaians to embrace backyard farming to ensure food security and promoting sustainable agriculture during the commemoration of 45th World Food Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Speaking at the event, Hon. Eric Opoku explained that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established 80 years ago, following the devastation of the World Wars to eliminate hunger and starvation across the globe. He noted that Ghana was joining the rest of the world to celebrate both milestones, World Food Day and FAO’s 80th Anniversary under the theme of unity, productivity, and sustainability.
He encouraged every Ghanaian to participate in farming, particularly backyard gardening, to support the national drive for food self-sufficiency. He urged households to grow simple vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garden eggs to save money and reduce household food expenses.
He called on the schools, from primary to tertiary levels and the other institutions such as the Military, Prisons Service, and Fire Service to establish small farms within their enclaves. According to him, such efforts will help to prevent food shortage and build a culture of agricultural engagement across all sectors.
Ghana is richly blessed with fertile lands, abundant water bodies, and a vibrant youthful population capable of driving agricultural productivity. He emphasized that with unity and collaboration, the nation can achieve a more resilient farming system and ensure food sufficiency for all.
“God has blessed our country with everything we need land, water, and energetic youth. All we need is unity to work together so that we can produce enough food for our people,” he added
He revealed that due to the government’s efforts and increased education on farming, local farmers have significantly expanded production. As a result, food production has improved across the country.
He disclosed that the price of a bag of maize now sells for GH¢300, based on information from farmers. However, he has encouraged them to sell their produce to the National Buffer Stock Company, which offers a higher purchase price of GH¢450 per bag. Similarly, 50kg bags of rice and gari will be sold to the Buffer Stock at GH¢625 each.
He further highlighted that President John Dramani Mahama is committed to supporting farmers who have achieved bumper harvests this season, noting that the government will provide the necessary assistance to ensure such farmers remain motivated and productive.
“It is the will of President Mahama to support farmers who have produced beyond expectations. The government will continue to help them so they can remain happy and successful in their farming work,” he affirmed.
The Minister announced plans to establish cold storage facilities to preserve perishable crops like cassava and other foodstuffs to minimize post-harvest losses.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu Aboagye, says the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is struggling because the continent largely produces what it does not need.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 15, he said Africa’s trade structure is too dependent on raw materials, making the benefits of AfCFTA difficult to realise.
His comments follow China’s zero-tariff agreement with Ghana and several African countries.
“If you are trading, you are trading either a product or a service. In fact, only a few countries produce things that we need in Africa, because we import finished goods and export raw material,” he said.
“You cannot export cassava to any of our countries around. They don’t need it, either you use it for fufu gari. But if you are adding value, that is when the African countries around us will need our products.”
According to him, the challenge lies in the type of goods and services African countries produce.
“AfCFTA in itself is challenged with the products and services that we have, because everything that we have is in its raw form,” he explained.
Citing Ghana’s trade with China, Mr Aboagye noted that the country has no choice but to continue exporting raw cocoa since it lacks processing capacity.
“If you don’t export the cocoa to China, you either export to other countries, because the cocoa will be here and nothing will happen to it because we cannot add value to it,” he said.
He added that the low value of unprocessed exports leaves African countries vulnerable.
“What are you going to do, chew the cocoa raw? You have to export. And the value on these raw, unprocessed goods is very, very low,” he stated.
Mr Aboagye argued that while African countries may have options in terms of imports, competitiveness makes Chinese goods irresistible.
“Chinese products are very competitive in terms of price, low cost of production, cost per unit, and other things,” he said.
“Your people also would want to import because of the price levels. Now they are of high quality as compared to any other country, but in terms of pricing, you have it at a lower price, and your people, looking at their purchasing power, will prefer to go in for this low-price product.”
He said this situation leaves Ghana and other African countries “pushed in such a way that we don’t have an option, because the goods that we have to export, we have not added value to them.”
The GNCCI CEO pointed to limited intra-African trade as evidence.
“Go and look at the guided trade, and look at the goods that are being traded among ourselves. The countries that are importing from Ghana are not importing your cocoa; they are not importing your gold. They are importing some of the finished products that you have. Go to Burkina Faso — our pharmaceuticals are going there, our rubber-related products are going there. Those are the things they need from us.”
He stressed that value addition is the only way African countries can make AfCFTA work.
“If African countries are adding value to some of these raw materials… we export rubber to China. If you have added value to the raw rubber, in fact, we could have responded to a lot of the countries around. That is where we make money,” he said.
Mr Aboagye also warned African governments to be cautious in signing trade deals.
“If anybody wants to enter into any trade agreement with you, don’t think that they love you,” he cautioned.
“Their focus is to export their products to Ghana. They come and discuss how you can import from them. Only a few of them are looking at how they can partner with you to manufacture the product.”
He lamented that Ghana has “resigned itself to importing,” adding that the structure of the economy has been broken for years.
“We’ve been talking about the structure of the economy, import-dependent — that’s been broken a long time ago. If 10 years ago you called a professor here, he would still talk about that,” he said.
Mr Aboagye’s remarks highlight a growing concern that, despite grand ambitions, AfCFTA may not yield its promised transformation unless Africa moves from exporting raw materials to producing and trading in value-added goods.
The District Chief Executive of Anloga District, Hon. Sandra Seyram Kpedor has facilitated the donation of 100 bags of fertiliser to about 100 young women farmers in the district.
The initiative was made possible through the Mastercard Foundation’s “Happy Programme,” which seeks to strengthen local food systems by supporting women engaged in small-scale farming, a vital source of livelihood for many families in the area.
Addressing the beneficiaries during the presentation ceremony, Madam Kpedor commended the young farmers for their hard work and perseverance, describing them as a true reflection of determination and resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
“These women have shown exceptional dedication to farming despite the odds. This support is both a recognition of their effort and an encouragement for them to keep producing to feed our communities,” she stated.
She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s participation in agriculture and pledged to facilitate more partnerships that bring practical support to local farmers.
“| remain committed to working with stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural growth in the Anloga District. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and empowering them, especially young women, is key to building a resilient agricultural sector,” she added.
The beneficiaries, mainly vegetable farmers, expressed their gratitude for the gesture, noting that the fertiliser support would significantly improve crop yields and reduce their production costs.
The “Happy Programme,’ under the Mastercard Foundation, is designed to provide training, input support, and mentorship for young women farmers, equipping them with resources to scale up their farming activities and contribute to food security and rural development.
Stakeholders present at the event described the intervention as timely, saying that empowering women in agriculture remains a strategic pathway to reducing poverty, ensuring food sustainability, and fostering inclusive economic growth in the Anloga District and beyond.
The Anloga District is highly noted for extensive vegetable and crop farming in areas such as Woe, Tegbi, Anloga, Dzita, Agbledomi, and their environment, with they are currently producing onion, shallots, tomatoes, lettuce and other crops
Staple food prices across East Africa showed mixed but generally stable trends, reflecting complex interplay of seasonal harvests, macroeconomic conditions, and regional trade.
Maize prices declined in most countries, with the sharpest drop in Uganda (−17%) due to increased supply, while South Sudan maintained the highest prices despite a 6% decline.
Rice prices rose across all markets, led by South Sudan (+14.3%) and Tanzania (+7.3%), reflecting supply constraints and currency effects.
Beans prices also trended upward in the short term, particularly in Uganda (+4.7%) and Rwanda (+3.4%), though longer-term trends in Kenya and Tanzania show declines.
Wheat prices softened slightly in USD terms in Kenya and Ethiopia, but local currency data indicate sustained inflationary pressure, especially in Ethiopia.
Fertiliser prices showed contrasting trends: Kenya experienced significant year-on-year declines in CAN (−44.08%), while Rwanda saw rising prices for Urea and NPK, potentially impacting input affordability.
Southern Africa’s commodity markets showed notable volatility, particularly in maize and fertiliser prices across the region.
Maize prices rose most sharply in Mozambique (+32.5%) and Malawi (+7%), driven by supply constraints and seasonal demand, while Zambia recorded a moderate increase (+6.8%) despite a recent steep decline in previous months due to a bumper harvest.
Fertiliser prices in Malawi were highly volatile, with urea rising by over 100% year-on-year, posing risks to input affordability and agricultural productivity.
Rice and bean markets showed mixed trends: rice prices fell in Malawi and Zambia but rose in Mozambique, while bean prices declined in Malawi and increased in Mozambique.
These movements reflect localised supply dynamics and trade flows, with the onset of a La Niña-driven rainy season expected to support improved crop yields and food availability across the region.
Finally, in West Africa, maize prices fell in Ghana (−9.26%) but rose sharply in Togo (+24%) and Nigeria (+7.34%) due to localised supply constraints.
Rice prices declined across most markets, notably in Nigeria (−10.88%) and Togo (−7.48%), with an isolated increase in Togo’s Maritime region (+17.7%).
Millet prices dropped significantly in Niger (−20.35%) but rose modestly in Nigeria (+3.65%) and parts of Mali. Sorghum prices also declined in Ghana (−5.17%), Niger (−12.47%), and Mali (−9.55%), while Nigeria recorded an increase (+8.76%) due to supply and currency pressures.
Overall, price declines were supported by improved supply, trader destocking, and favourable harvests, although flooding and conflict in parts of Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Niger pose ongoing risks to agricultural productivity and market stability.
Food Security Updates
As of September 2025, the food and nutrition security situation in East and Central Africa remains critical. In Sudan and South Sudan alone, approximately 721,000 people are facing IPC Phase 5 (Famine/Catastrophe) conditions.
Across the IGD region, 11.5 million people are in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 28 million in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).
Across the 10 countries covered by the IPC analysis, the number of people affected has reached 71 million. Alarmingly, more than six million children in the IGAD region are suffering from acute malnutrition, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian and policy responses.
In Southern Africa, food insecurity remains a pressing concern across several countries. In Malawi, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes persist in southern districts due to poor harvests, high maize prices and low incomes, with the lean season starting earlier than usual.
Mozambique faces similar conditions, particularly in the north where conflict has displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods, while southern and central semi-arid areas continue to struggle with the aftermath of droughts and limited market access.
In Zimbabwe, although most households still rely on own-produced food following a favourable harvest, poor households in deficit-producing regions are increasingly dependent on markets amid constrained purchasing power. According to the latest IPC analysis, 45% of Zimbabwe’s rural population is in Crisis or Emergency (IPC Phase 3 or 4).
In West Africa, food insecurity remains widespread, particularly in conflict-affected regions. In Burkina Faso, poor households in areas like Sebba and Arbinda face severe food consumption deficits due to market disruptions and limited aid, while other localities benefit from subsidised cereals and local harvests, although low incomes still restrict access.
Mali is experiencing rising insecurity and displacement, especially in the south and west, with blockades disrupting trade and driving up food prices. Niger continues to face acute food insecurity in conflict-hit regions, worsened by flooding that affected over 268,000 people and damaged crops and livestock.
Despite favourable rainfall supporting overall yields and falling food prices, recovery remains limited in flood- and conflict-affected areas. Nigeria has the highest burden, with around 30.6 million people in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above), driven by conflict and poor nutrition, while Ghana has about two million people facing similar conditions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions across the region.
Food Trade Updates
Kenya has officially joined Tanzania in implementing a container guarantee system, effectively eliminating the long-standing requirement for cash deposit guarantees on cargo containers.
This marks a significant step toward streamlining trade across the region. With the adoption of the container guarantee service at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, importers can expect a smoother and more cost-effective process.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rolled out a new policy exempting imports valued at US$300 or less from duties and taxes. This initiative is designed to streamline trade processes, encourage cross-border e-commerce, and reduce operational costs for businesses.
Effective from September 8, 2025, the US$300 de minimis threshold applies to goods arriving through express delivery services or carried as passenger baggage. However, the exemption does not apply to items that are prohibited or restricted under Nigerian import regulations.
The Agroecology Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) in partnership Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) have organised a day training workshop for the media at Accra.
The training workshop with the theme: Strategic Media Programming for Agroecology, Circular Economy and Climate Change Communication offered a broad knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding the activities of human in relation to the environment and the space.
During the training workshop, the Principal Investigator for Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystems Services Project in Africa and Research Scientist at the CSIR, Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante said it was critical to train the media on the principles and concepts of agroecology and circular economy for ecosystems as the extension agents to educate the public on these practices for the public to take inform decisions.
Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante interacting with the media during the training worksop
He mentioned that this would enhance reduction of agriculture emissions such as Methane, Black Carbone, Nitrous Oxide that are not affect global warming but contributing to health challenges.
“We have seen that if the public are well informed, they can take the needed action. Unfortunately, when you interact with people at the community level you realised that there is little information of the environmental sustainability space, largely because of the scientific nature and sometimes the cumbersome of the key concepts to their understanding,” Dr. Asante explained.
Speaking to Agric Today, he said the scientific institutions expect the general public to change their behaviour with the media communication around agroecology and circular economy with short lived climate pollutant to be highlighted in regular programming to enhance public sensitization of the scientific innovations and technologies to take the needed action.
According to him, sensitizing the general public on these scientific innovations would enable the public to leverage on their opportunities for livelihood improvement, job creation and climate emission reduction.
He assured the media of having regular engagements that can feature environmental issues to enhance overall public perception and awareness to take the needed action around agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
