The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has acquired 40,000 acres of land from the Yeji Traditional Council to support the implementation of the Feed the Industry programme.
The programme forms part of the government’s flagship Feed Ghana initiative and is aimed at promoting large-scale cultivation to increase the supply of raw materials for local industries, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen agro-industrial production.
Speaking during the Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on Thursday, December 18, the sector minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that her outfit is engaging private sector players, including GB Foods, to support the initiative.
She added that the Ministry will soon begin the commercial cultivation of tomatoes, pepper, and ginger on 6,000 hectares of land.
She noted that the programme is expected to create jobs, support local farmers, and enhance value chain development across the agribusiness sector.
“In September, we will begin cultivating about 6,000 hectares of tomatoes and ginger. We have also acquired 40,000 acres of land from the Yeji Traditional Council to promote the Feed the Industry Programme.”
Rice has quietly become one of Ghana’s most important staple foods. From our homes and chop bars to ceremonies and quick weekday meals, rice is now part of our everyday life. Yet behind this growing appetite lies a paradox that continues to weaken our economy and frustrate Ghanaian farmers.
Today, Ghana spends an estimated US$350 million every year importing rice. We consume nearly 2 million metric tons annually, but close to 70% of that rice is imported. This means that while demand is strong, the value of what we eat is largely exported to other countries – jobs, income, and opportunities included.
The challenge is not that Ghana cannot grow rice. In fact, Ghana has suitable ecologies across the north, middle belt, and southern lowlands. The deeper problem is scale, structure, and systems. Less than 3% of Ghana’s agricultural land is under rice cultivation, compared to countries like Thailand (46.5%) and Vietnam (58.8 %) under intensive rice production (IFS, Ghana). These countries did not become rice powerhouses by chance; they invested deliberately in land development, farmer support, processing, and market protection.
Ironically, Ghanaian rice farmers are not currently suffering from lack of production alone – but from lack of markets. Local rice supply is beginning to outstrip demand, creating an artificial glut. Warehouses are full, mills are slow, and farmers are holding unsold paddy. At the same time, imported rice continues to dominate shelves due to branding, price perception, and policy gaps.
For the Ghanaian rice farmer, the pain is compounded. Cost of production remains high, driven by expensive inputs, mechanization services, and financing. Yet prices are falling, partly influenced by the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the dollar, which makes imported rice relatively cheaper. The result is a farmer squeezed from all sides – high costs, low prices, and limited protection.
So, where do we go from here?
First, regulated rice imports are critical – not a blanket ban, but smart controls that align imports with seasonal local production. Second, government-backed buyback schemes through buffer stock systems must be strengthened to absorb excess local rice and stabilize prices. Third, Ghana urgently needs a guaranteed floor price per kilogram of local rice to protect farmers from market shocks and unfair competition. Fourth, input costs must come down – from seeds and fertilizer to mechanization services – through targeted subsidies, bulk procurement, and private sector participation. Financial institutions must also design farmer-friendly products that reflect the realities of rice production cycles.
But policy alone is not enough.
This is also a national mindset issue.
Here`s a clarion call to all Ghanaians – consumers, retailers, institutions, hotels, and caterers – to consciously choose Ghana Rice. Every bag of local rice purchased sustains a farmer, supports rural jobs, reduces pressure on our foreign exchange, and strengthens national food security. Ghana rice has improved significantly in quality, taste, and packaging. What it needs now is loyalty and confidence.
Ghana’s rice story can be rewritten – but only if we all play our part.
The Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) has called on government to impose a total ban on the export of raw rubber.
The house warned that proposals to merely restrict exports will continue to undermine domestic processing and derail Ghana’s industrialisation drive.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the President of the WRHC, pointed out that the continued export of raw rubber, particularly from the Western Region which is Ghana’s leading rubber-producing enclave, runs counter to government’s own policy direction on value addition, job creation and local content development.
At a general meeting of the house at Sekondi, Nana Kobina Nketsia said chiefs in the region were unanimous in their demand for a complete prohibition, not a partial limitation, on the export of natural rubber in its raw form.
“It was clearly stated in the 2026 Budget that the discussion was about natural rubber. However, the way the minister framed it suggested a restriction on the export of raw rubber. We are not asking for a restriction; we are asking for a total ban,” he stated.
According to him, a full ban would guarantee steady supply of raw materials for local processors, revive struggling rubber-based industries and align fully with flagship government initiatives such the 24-hour economy policy.
Nana Nketsia, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, noted that local processors, including Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) in the Western Region, have been starved of raw materials due to excessive exportation, forcing the company to cut its workforce by half and reduce operations from three shifts to one.
Similarly, a rubber-processing company in the Central Region has shut down entirely due to lack of raw material, according to the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG).
Although he said Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry recently expressed support for government’s decision to restrict raw rubber exports beginning in 2026 and pledged to assist in drafting the necessary Legislative Instrument (LI), the traditional ruler insisted that restriction alone will not address the fundamental problem.
“Exporting raw rubber directly contradicts the government’s stated policy direction and undermines the domestic industry. If we are serious about industrialisation, then we must process our rubber here instead of exporting it in its raw state.”
He further called for stricter enforcement of existing laws governing raw material exports, arguing that Ghana’s challenge lies more in weak implementation than lack of policy.
“There are laws against exporting materials in their raw form. We must support government and work with them to ensure the regulatory framework functions effectively. This is not just for producing areas, but for the benefit of the entire country,” he added.
Drawing parallels with the mining sector, Nana Kobina Nketsia lamented on a long-standing pattern of extracting resources from host regions without corresponding local processing or industrial development.
He cited public concerns over plans to site a national gold refinery in Accra instead of mining regions in the Western Region, saying such decisions are economically and socially unjustifiable.
“If the gold is mined here, why should the refinery be in Accra? If the aim is to create jobs and curb illegal mining, then these facilities must be located in the producing regions,” he said.
The Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angamatuo Gyan, supported the call, revealing that traditional authorities in the region have engaged the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat on the issue.
“We have raised concerns about raw rubber exports for many years through engagements with relevant institutions. Although the results have been slow, we are hopeful that government’s current position on restriction will be a stepping stone toward a full ban,” he noted.
Also contributing, Awulae Attibrukusu, Paramount Chief of Axim Traditional Area, welcomed government’s intention to restrict exports but stressed the need for a united regional stance to push for a complete ban.
“As a region, we must come together and meet the relevant authorities to clearly state our resolve to have a total ban on raw rubber exports,” he said.
He proposed a joint petition by traditional leaders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders in the Western Region to formally communicate their position to government and Parliament.
The Western Region remains Ghana’s largest producer of natural rubber, with thousands of smallholder farmers and several large plantations depending on the sector for their livelihoods. Chiefs argue that banning raw rubber exports will stimulate local processing, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost government revenue and promote sustainable industrial growth.
The Multimedia Group Limited, in partnership with the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, has rolled out a festive-season initiative dubbed the X’mas Egg Market, aimed at supplying eggs and poultry to consumers at reduced prices while helping to address the persistent egg glut confronting local poultry farmers.
The initiative forms part of efforts to support domestic poultry producers who have been affected by excess egg supply, falling prices, and rising production costs.
By creating a direct market link between farmers and consumers, the X’mas Egg Market is expected to boost sales for poultry farmers while ensuring households have access to affordable, high-quality protein during the Christmas season.
Ahead of the sales, Chief Executive of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, Muhammed Ali, urged the public to take advantage of the initiative to purchase locally produced eggs and poultry at competitive prices, noting that increased patronage will go a long way in sustaining the local poultry industry.
“Prices of these eggs by our members have been reduced. Some few weeks ago, there was a cry by poultry farmers about egg glut, now farmers have reduced their prices but the public are not enjoying the reduction so we are giving the opportunity to everyone to come to Joy FM premises from the 19th to 20th December to enjoy these farmgate prices”, he said.
On his part, Head of Marketing and Sales at The Multimedia Group Limited, David Max-Fugar, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to improving food accessibility for Ghanaians, particularly during the festive period.
He explained that the partnership aligns with Multimedia’s broader corporate responsibility agenda of supporting local industries while promoting healthy nutrition.
The X’mas Egg Market is scheduled to take place from Friday, 19th to Saturday, 20th December, at the Joy FM Car Park, and is open to the general public.
The Carrefour Group, a leading French food retailer, is taking over Shoprite’s franchise in Ghana through a new partnership with the distributor, Brands For All, which acquired the seven Shoprite hypermarkets in November 2025.
These stores will be rebranded to Carrefour, with the first openings expected by April 2026, as part of Carrefour’s African expansion strategy, according to a press release issued on Monday, December 15, 2025.
This follows Shoprite’s plan to exit Ghana to focus on its home market in South Africa, according to a Reuters report.
Brands for All is a distributor that is already a franchise partner for retail chains such as Decathlon and Yves Rocher in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. In November 2025, the company took over seven Shoprite hypermarkets.
The press release announcing the takeover explained that they are rolling out Carrefour banners, expertise, and products in Ghana under an agreement, which will see Carrefour International supporting Brands For All teams in the takeover and transformation of the entire Shoprite Ghana network under Carrefour banners, and the implementation of an ambitious expansion plan.
The first stores will be rebranded by April 2026.
By 2028, the retailer also expects to open five new outlets, said Patrick Lasfargues, executive director of Carrefour International, in a press release.
The release stated that the new agreement illustrates the strength and dynamism of the franchise model championed by the Carrefour Group, and marks the achievement of an objective to expand in 10 new countries under franchise as part of its 2026 strategic plan.
“We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with a leading retail player in Ghana. Beyond the rapid transformation of the 7 Shoprite Ghana hypermarkets, the Brands For All and Carrefour International Partnership teams are already working hand-in-hand on the future growth of our activities in the country: by 2028, we project the opening of 5 additional stores.
“This launch in Ghana is another milestone in the execution of our international franchise expansion strategy, which already saw us pass the 3,000 franchised store mark in October 2025.”, the CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, Patrick Lasfargues stated.
On his part, the CEO of Brands For All, Geoffrey Fadoul stated: “I am very proud to announce, along with the entire Brands For All team, our integration into Carrefour’s international franchise network. By leveraging our deep knowledge of the local market, the dedication of the Shoprite Ghana teams, and Carrefour’s excellence, we will be able to offer Ghanaian consumers high-quality, affordable products and an experience that perfectly meets their expectations.”
About Carrefour Group
With a multi-format network of over 15,000 stores in more than 40 countries, the Carrefour Group is one of the world’s leading food retailers. Carrefour International Partnership manages all the Carrefour Group’s franchised Partners worldwide, operating in more than 30 countries with over 3,000 stores.
Carrefour posted sales of €94.6 billion in 2024. Its integrated store network employs more than 300,000 people who help to make Carrefour the world leader in the food transition for all, by offering quality food every day, accessible everywhere and at a reasonable price. In total, more than 500,000 people work under the Carrefour banner worldwide.
About Brands For All
As a modern and dynamic player in the distribution sector, Brands For All is dedicated to establishing and amplifying the presence of the world’s leading international brands across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The group develops iconic names such as Decathlon, Optimum Nutrition, Yves Rocher, Adidas, Babolat, Adopt, and soon Swarovski.
Brands For All operates under a clear mission: to make great brands accessible to everyone. By combining field expertise and operational excellence, Brands For All serves as the agile and committed partner international brands choose to maximise their growth and unleash their full potential in new territories.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has warned that the 20% excise duty on natural fruit juices poses a serious threat to Ghana’s agro-industrialisation agenda and could undermine the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy.
In a statement released on December 15, 2025, the Chamber said the tax is discouraging local processing, weakening value addition, and forcing agro-processing factories to operate below capacity, contrary to national efforts to boost industrial output, job creation, and export competitiveness.
According to CAG, the excise duty, which applies to locally processed natural fruit juices, has increased production costs for manufacturers and reduced their ability to compete with imported beverage concentrates and finished products.
The Chamber argued that instead of incentivising domestic agro-processing, the policy is penalising local value addition and sending the wrong signals to investors in the agricultural value chain.
“This tax contradicts Ghana’s agro-industrialisation goals and directly undermines the 24-Hour Economy by making continuous production unviable for local processors,” the statement said.
CAG noted that agro-processing is one of the most labour-intensive sectors of the economy and a critical driver of rural employment, especially for youth and women. The Chamber warned that sustained pressure on juice manufacturers could lead to factory closures, reduced demand for raw agricultural produce, and job losses across the value chain.
The Chamber further cautioned that the excise duty weakens Ghana’s import-substitution efforts by making locally produced juices more expensive than imported alternatives, thereby increasing foreign exchange pressure and exposing the Cedi to further depreciation.
CAG said Ghana has significant potential to become a regional hub for fruit processing, given its strong production of pineapple, mango, citrus, and other tropical fruits. However, that potential, it stressed, cannot be realised under a tax regime that discourages investment in local processing.
The Chamber is therefore calling on the government to review and repeal the 20% excise duty, urging policymakers to align tax measures with national development priorities, including industrial growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
Growing a coconut tree from a coconut fruit is a slow but rewarding process. Coconut palms are long-living trees that provide food, oil, fiber, and shade for decades.
This article explains how to grow coconuts from fresh coconut fruit, covering selection, planting, care, and long-term management.
Understanding Coconut Palm Growth: Coconut trees are tropical palms that grow slowly in the early years but become strong and resilient once established.
Selecting the Right Coconut Fruit: Choose a fully mature coconut with plenty of water inside. Fresh coconuts have higher germination success.
Preparing the Coconut for Planting: Soaking the coconut in water for several days helps activate germination and speeds up sprouting.
Best Soil for Coconut Germination: Loose, sandy soil with good drainage prevents rotting and supports early root development.
Planting the Coconut Correctly: Plant the coconut horizontally or slightly tilted, leaving one-third of the fruit above the soil surface.
Watering and Moisture Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Excess water can cause fungal problems.
Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Coconut palms require full sun and warm temperatures year-round to grow properly.
Early Seedling Care: Protect young seedlings from strong winds and extreme weather during the early growth stage.
Transplanting Coconut Seedlings: Once the seedling develops strong roots, it can be transplanted carefully to its permanent location.
Fertilization for Healthy Growth: Organic manure and balanced fertilizers support steady growth during the first few years.
Common Problems in Coconut Growing: Poor drainage, cold temperatures, and low sunlight slow growth significantly.
Time Required for Fruiting: Coconut trees grown from seed usually take six to ten years to start producing fruit.
Long-Term Care of Coconut Palms: Proper spacing, regular feeding, and minimal pruning ensure healthy palms for decades.
Quick Reference Table Requirement Recommendation Coconut Type Fully matureSoil Sandy and well-drainingSunlight Full sunWatering ModerateFruiting Time 6–10 years
The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama has outlined the three (3) key pillars as a commitment to strengthening Ghana’s agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and ensuring national food security.
President Mahama affirmed his government’s dedication to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector, emphasizing Irrigation, Affordable Financing, and Infrastructure as the 3 major key pillars.
He reveled this during the 41st Farmers’ Day Celebration at Ho
For irrigation, he announced plans to drill boreholes and install solar-powered pumps for farming communities to support year-round agriculture.
With reliable water, he said, farmers can triple their harvests and achieve higher yields on smaller lands.
Affordable Financing: Mr. President stressed the need for single-digit agricultural loan rates, arguing that current high interest rates trap farmers in debt.
“It is unacceptable that farmers work for the banks instead of themselves,” he said, pledging to push loan rates below 10 percent.
He commended members of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen for advocating reduced credit rates, emphasizing that cheaper financing is essential for national food security
He condemned the purchase of imported rice for the School Feeding Programme when local farmers have unsold rice, insisting that rice, maize, and poultry must henceforth be sourced locally.
The President praised scientific breakthroughs such as the new weevil-resistant cowpea variety and announced a soon-to-be-launched School Agriculture Programme requiring schools to operate farms.
Infrastructure: Turning to development in the Volta Region which he affectionately called the “Oxygen City”, Mr. President indicated that several key road projects under the government’s Big Push Agenda are advancing steadily, with contractors already on site.
He expressed confidence that most of the roads would be near completion within 18 months.
He stated that work has finally begun on the long-delayed Denu-Aflao road, a project that will boost trade and improve transportation in the region.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has launched $147.3 million PROSPER PROJECT in Damongo as part of Government’s efforts to actualize the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda ( AETA).
The significant of the project is to boon Ghana’s rural agriculture sector aiming at boosting climate resilience, rural incomes, and modernizing value chains across nine regions.
The initiative is a strategic and transformative step for national agricultural development.
The project will improve the livelihoods of about 100,000 rural households directly and 320,000 indirectly, focusing on infrastructure, economic opportunities, and efficient resource management.
Key components include strengthening rural institutions, enhancing market access, and promoting nutrition-sensitive practices aligned with Ghana’s Feed Ghana programme.
The PROSPER PROJECT will also improve environmental resilience through watershed restoration, tree planting, and climate-smart infrastructure.
The project’s collaborative effort with development partners marks a promising boon for rural communities, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable agricultural progress.
The General Superintendent of the Saviour Church of Ghana, Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, has been crowned the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025 at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Ho.
The 82-year-old farmer has spent over 55 years in the farming industry, earning numerous recognitions from the district, regional, national, and international levels. His decades of dedication have cemented his reputation as one of Ghana’s most accomplished farmers.
In his acceptance speech, Opanin Abraham expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who have supported the agricultural sector.
He stated, “On this momentous occasion marking the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, I rise with profound humility and gratitude to extend, on behalf of all farmers of our beloved nation, our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has made this day possible.”
He further acknowledged divine protection, saying he “expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His gracious favour, divine protection, and enduring presence that has enabled them to gather to commemorate yet another National Farmers’ Day celebration.”
Opanin Abraham also praised the government for maintaining the tradition of honouring farmers. He said the “Government of the Republic of Ghana for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating and rewarding the tireless efforts of our nation’s farmers and fishers. Your continued commitment to the advancement of agriculture remains a beacon of hope for us all.”
Reflecting on his long journey in agriculture, he highlighted his achievements, “I entered the agricultural industry almost 55 years ago, immediately after leaving the university campus in 1968. During the early years of my journey in this industry, I won many district awards.
In 2009, I was honoured with the Eastern Regional Best Farmer Award. Four years later, in 2013, the state conferred on me the National Best Cocoa Farmer Award.
In 2014, I had the honour of being named the World’s Best Cocoa Farmer at a ceremony held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the ICCO Second Annual Conference.”
He added that “Not too long ago, in 2022, the state again conferred on me the National Best Crop Farmer Award. Today, I am profoundly honoured to have been adjudged the National Best Farmer for the year 2025.”
Sharing the honour with the wider farming community, he remarked, “This distinguished recognition is not mine alone. It belongs equally to the thousands of hardworking Ghanaian farmers, men and women whose dedication and sacrifices feed our nation, sustain our industries, and strengthen our economy. To all of them, I say ‘Ayekoo’.”
He extended appreciation to key institutions that contributed to the event’s success, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the National Farmers’ Day Planning Committee, and major sponsors.
Addressing national agricultural challenges, Opanin Abraham appealed for improved irrigation infrastructure. He noted that the Afram Plains, with their vast fertile lands, could become Ghana’s food basket if irrigation access is prioritized.
He welcomed the government’s intention to include such development in the Feed Ghana programme, describing it as “a step in the right direction toward achieving the goals of the ‘Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future’ agenda.
”He also urged the government to construct a bridge over the Afram River and rehabilitate roads in the Afram Plains, saying these interventions “will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also open up rural economies, create jobs, and transform our nation.”In total, 31 individuals were honoured with various awards across different agricultural portfolios.
