The transportation cost dominated the factors that pushed inflation above 20 percent in 2024.
This, according to the Ghana Statistical Service contributed to food inflation going up due to the high cost of transporting foodstuffs from the farmgate to consumers.
Speaking to Journalists at a workshop to review the consumer price index variables, Data Scientist at the Ghana Statistical Service Simon Tichutab called for a multi stakeholder approach to address the high cost of transporting foodstuffs to the markets.
He stated for example that moving tubers such as yam and cassava from the middle belt of the country to markets in the southern part led to astronomical price increases. The cost, he lamented is always passed on to consumers, leading to food inflation going up.
“If you look at the items, fuel, bus and trotro fares ranked about 70 times in the top fifteen of the 72 data points that we have and a lot of the food items like unprocessed food including yam, fresh tomatoes and other farm produce”, he said.
Describing the situation as a major hurdle that must be addressed, Mr. Tichutab advocated a policy shift to resolve the issue.
“It is a multifaceted challenge and if you ask my view I think if we really want to tackle inflation then we have to look at our food basket and its inflation rates”.
He pointed out that the trend has continued for some years, indicating a pattern that affect food prices.
“Every year, bus and trotro fare is ranked more than necessary which impacts on the prices. We need to check the gap between the market and farmgate and through a stakeholder conversation, there could be a broader approach in dealing with it”, he said.
The Ghana Statistical Service made the disclosure at a stakeholder engagement to review of the 2024 trends of consumer price indices and items driving inflation in Ghana.
The objective of the engagement was to foster a collaborative dialogue among key stakeholders, including government officials and the media on consumer price inflation.
According to the Ghana Statistical Services, the engagement is important to help have a better approach in calculating the inflation rate.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of understanding the complex factors contributing to consumer price inflation which engendered discussion on the development of comprehensive strategies to address the issues. In addition, it focused on key consumable items that have influenced the upward trends in the rate of inflation in Ghana.
The items consistently recording the highest price changes constitute almost a third of average household expenditure.
A Chief Research Scientist, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante has been appointed as the new Director of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Ghana’s foremost agricultural research institute.
Prof. Asante, a research scientist with over two decades of experience in agricultural research and development, assumes the role effective February 1, 2025.
He succeeds the late Prof. Moses Brandford Mochiah, who served as Director from July 2019 to July 2024.
A Distinguished Career
Before his appointment, Prof. Asante served as the Deputy Director of the CSIR-CRI from January, 2022 to February, 2024 and the Head of the Institute’s Cereals Improvement Programme from 2017 to 2019. He is widely recognized for his leadership in rice breeding across Africa.
Prof. Asante’s career spans over twenty years with significant achievements in plant breeding. As the Rice Breeding Lead at CSIR-CRI, Prof. Asante has been instrumental in developing and releasing over twenty (20) climate-resilient rice varieties that have been widely adopted by farmers across Ghana.
He has dedicated his career to achieving rice self-sufficiency and enhancing food security in Ghana. His research has contributed to increasing agricultural productivity and improved the livelihoods of rice farmers in Ghana. Prof. Darko Asante’s current research focuses on developing high-yielding, climate-smart rice varieties tolerant to major biotic and abiotic stresses, utilizing conventional, DNA marker-assisted, and biotechnology approaches.
He leads the breeding modernization effort at CSIR-CRI and consulted for the CGIAR Excellence in Breeding (EiB) programme (now known as Breeding and Research Services) in 2021 to modernize breeding programs in Ghana and other African countries. He has also consulted for AGRA and GIZ-MOVE.
Awards
Prof. Asante’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2018, he won the National Best Agricultural Scientist at the 34th National Farmers Day. Prof. Asante was also selected as the best research scientist at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in 2017. He was also awarded as the Most Influential WACCI Alumnus in 2023. Additionally, his rice breeding team won the Best Rice Breeding Program Award by KAFACI in 2023.
Prof. Asante holds academic affiliations as an Associate Professor in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the CSIR College of Science and Technology (CCST), Kumasi, Ghana. He is a Guest Lecturer at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria and an Associate Faculty at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon.
Educational Background and Professional Achievements
Prof. Asante obtained a BSc. (Agriculture) degree and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast in 1998. He also holds an MSc. (Plant Breeding) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (2004), and a Ph.D. (Plant Breeding) from the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon (2012). Recently, he completed an MSc. in Strategic Management and Leadership from KNUST and is awaiting graduation in March this year. He is a graduate of Class III of the African Plant Breeding Academy and the Gender-Responsive Cereal Grain Breeding Course (GREAT). He mentors women in Agricultural Science under the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program.
He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications comprising refereed journal papers in highly-rated international journals, book chapters, and conference papers and has attracted over USD 4.5 million in research and infrastructure support to the CSIR-CRI. His exceptional skills has seen him served as Principal Investigator for over 10 research projects funded by prominent donors, including USAID, BMGF, AGRA, IFAD, and RDA, Korea.
Prof. Asante is a well-travelled scientist, and has attended conferences, workshops, and training programs globally. He was a visiting scientist at the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Cornell University, and the USDA, ARS-Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, USA in 2006 and 2011, respectively. He also served as the President of the CSIR-CRI branch of the Research Staff Association (RSA) of Ghana from 2017 to 2020. He is married with three children.
Prof. Asante hopes to strengthen the Institute’s research capacity, foster innovation, and enhance collaboration with local and international partners to address the pressing challenges facing agriculture today. He acknowledges the importance of leveraging modern technologies, such as genomic tools and precision agriculture, to improve crop yields, enhance nutrition and ensure sustainability.
Challenges Ahead
The appointment comes at a critical time when Ghana’s agricultural sector is grappling with challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and post-harvest losses.
Under Prof. Asante’s leadership, CSIR-CRI is expected to play a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions to these issues.
His expertise positions him well to lead the institute in addressing these challenges in collaboration with the Ghanaian government, the private sector, stakeholders in Ghana as well as international partners.
About CSIR-CRI
The CSIR-Crops Research Institute, headquartered in Kumasi, is Ghana’s leading research institution dedicated to agricultural science. Established in 1964, the institute focuses on the development of improved crop varieties and sustainable farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
With Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante at the helm, CSIR-CRI is poised to continue its vital work in addressing the challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, not only in Ghana but across the African continent.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the newly elected government to prioritize an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam as part of efforts to address systemic agricultural challenges.
In a statement congratulating President John Dramani Mahama on his victory, PFAG highlighted the dam’s potential to contribute an additional 20-30% to Ghana’s agricultural GDP and mitigate climate change effects.
However, the group expressed concerns over alleged mismanagement and extortion under the previous administration.
PFAG urged the government to initiate an immediate audit under the “Operation Recover All Loot” agenda to recover misappropriated funds and ensure the dam’s proper implementation.
They also advocated for budgetary allocations to complete the project within the President’s first 120 days in office.
The farmers believe the successful completion of the dam is critical to unlocking the agricultural sector’s potential and driving sustainable economic growth.
“The Pwalugu multi-purpose dam has the potential to address climate change issues and provide additional 20% to 30% of agricultural GDP when properly implemented. However, the dam has been used as an avenue for extortion by the previous regime without accountability. We urge you to ensure that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state”, the statement mentioned.
The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) congratulated President John Mahama on his election, praising his leadership and commitment to agricultural transformation and export growth.
In a press release dated January 8, 2025, FAGE highlighted the President’s track record of supporting initiatives to enhance Ghana’s export capacity, especially within the horticultural sector.
The federation expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to create an enabling environment for the sector’s growth.
“President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to agricultural transformation and export development has been instrumental in driving progress within our sector,” the statement read.
“His practical understanding of agriculture’s pivotal role in job creation, foreign exchange generation, and economic transformation gives the export community renewed optimism for the future.”
FAGE outlined ambitious goals for Ghana’s Non-Traditional Export (NTE) sector, targeting $5 billion in export revenues by 2027 and $10 billion by 2029.
The federation emphasized the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and positioning Ghana as a leading horticultural hub in West Africa.
“We are confident that the new administration’s focus on private sector growth and strategic policy direction will help us achieve these milestones, strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, and create thousands of sustainable jobs across agricultural value chains,” said Davies Korboe, President of FAGE.
The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the government to maximise the value of Ghana’s agricultural resources and boost the export sector.
FAGE concluded its message with a call for wisdom and resilience for President Mahama, as he leads the nation toward greater prosperity.
Following reports of food shortages in some senior high schools across the country, President John Mahama has urged all stakeholders to remain calm as he has found a solution.
According to him, there are sufficient food items at the Tema port procured by the previous government to augment the drought situation experienced in the country somewhere last year, and these food items can be used to feed the students.
“This food was imported by the outgone government in response to the drought that occurred last year but in this emergency, we need to use some of that food to feed our students so that education can continue,” he said during National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held in Accra on Sunday, January 12.
The president noted that he has already directed his Chief of Staff to liaise with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to evacuate the foods from the port for onward distribution. “I have asked the Chief of Staff to work with the Ghana Education Service to allocate and evacuate foods that are currently held in warehouses in Tema”.
This according to the president is his commitment to improving the Free senior high school which was initiated by the previous government.
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) earlier urged parents and guardians to assist with the feeding challenges in senior high schools.
This is to make sure that their children report to school as there wasn’t enough food across the various schools to feed them due to the failure of the previous government to release funds.
The World Bank has acknowledged the significant challenges confronting Ghana’s cocoa sector and has pledged to offer recommendations to help revitalize the industry.
On January 8, 2025, during a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama, Ousmane Diagana, Vice President for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, emphasized the untapped potential within Ghana’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on cocoa.
“On cocoa, Ghana is one of those countries where we have prepared what we call country-climate under-development. And we have indeed identified the potential that exists in the agricultural sector. Particularly is cocoa and at the same time what are the challenges the sector has faced?
“We have Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire together, even though there are similarities. We have some recommendations that the team can discuss with you at some point. In that regard, and see how we can use our existing programme because we have some dedicated programmes that exist already in Ghana in order to contribute to addressing those challenges that have been mentioned.
Ghana’s cocoa sub-sector contracted by 26% in the third quarter of 2024, marking its fifth consecutive decline and highlighting ongoing struggles in one of the nation’s most vital export industries.
This significant drop contrasts sharply with the broader economy, which grew by 7.2% during the same period. Excluding oil, Ghana’s economy expanded in current terms to Ghȼ254 billion, compared to Ghȼ194 billion in the third quarter of 2023.
The cocoa sector’s challenges, which began in the third quarter of 2023, have worsened throughout 2024. The first quarter recorded the steepest contraction of 20.2%, followed by back-to-back 26% declines in the second and third quarters, signalling a deepening crisis.
This prolonged downturn threatens the stability of Ghana’s cocoa sector, a critical driver of rural livelihoods and a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has called on John Dramani Mahama to collaborate with them to help agriculture thrive in the country.
The Association, in a congratulatory message to the President of Ghana, signed by the Association’s president, Wepia Awal Adugwala, extended their heartfelt congratulations on the emphatic victory and the mandate entrusted to President John Dramani Mahama, by the good people of Ghana.
The Association said that this significant achievement represents the wishes and aspirations of the citizens.
“As farmers, we are optimistic that, together, we can achieve great heights under your leadership,” PFAG stated.
They further reiterated the President’s encouragement and understanding of the agricultural sector.
“We are encouraged by your understanding of the agricultural sector, evident from your engagements with key stakeholders during your campaign, including the PFAG. As a farmer yourself, you are well aware of the systemic challenges facing farmers across the nation, which have contributed to the poor performance of the sector in recent years.”
“We firmly believe that your personal experiences, combined with the honest input from various stakeholders, have significantly contributed to your initiative for ‘agro-economic transformation through a 24-hour economy’ and your social contract with the Ghanaian people, set for implementation within your first 120 days.”
The Association highlighted three key points, which they consider important, and urged the President to pursue as early as possible. “As you assume the reins of government once more, we are eager to collaborate with you to ensure that smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector thrive by the end of your term. We kindly urge you to consider the following three proposals as you prepare to constitute your team.”
The Association requested that Mahama nominates a Minister for the agricultural sector who possesses a strong agricultural background, has experience, is affable, youthful, and has the ability to connect with stakeholders across the value chain.
Farmers are looking forward to working with a Minister who is effective, approachable, and understands their concerns and challenges.
Again, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has called for the audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam.
The Pwalugu multi-purpose dam has the potential to address climate change issues and provide an additional 20% to 30% of agricultural GDP when properly implemented. However, the dam has been used as an avenue for extortion by the previous regime without accountability.
Recognizing that an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is part of your agenda to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL),
“we urge you to ensure that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state. Additionally, we request a budgetary allocation to commence construction of the dam within your first 120 days.”
The PFAG, therefore, urges the President to uphold the Presidential pact signed against illegal mining and ensure that all forms of mining in forests, farmlands, and river bodies are prohibited.
“The development of a land reclamation plan for all damaged farmlands should be an urgent priority”. The Association is hopeful that under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, the full potential of smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector will be realized.
“We look forward to a governance style that is effective, truthful, inclusive, and efficient,” the President of the Association noted.
During a management meeting held today, the Chief Director and various directors extended their farewell messages to Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who has served as the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the past 18 months following the resignation of Dr. Afriyie Akoto.
The directors conveyed their best wishes to Dr. Acheampong, acknowledging his leadership during a transformative period for Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Over the last two years, he has been instrumental in implementing vital reforms aimed at enhancing food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
In his farewell address to the staff and management, Dr. Bryan expressed heartfelt appreciation to those who aided in making his tenure successful.
He approached his role with renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to redefining the agricultural landscape.
Reflecting on his time at the ministry, he emphasized the significant strides made to rejuvenate the agriculture sector and highlighted the valuable experiences he gained as a minister.
Dr. Acheampong noted that he had a clear vision of the steps needed to revitalize the sector, underscoring his dedication to maintaining accountability to the citizens who placed their trust in him.
At the margins of the validation workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035), His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda held discussions with Her Excellency Ambassador Josefa Sacko the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment of the African Union and her delegation. The African Union (AU) delegation led by Ambassador Josefa Sacko and accompanied by Honourable Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of the Republic of Uganda met the president at State House Entebbe. The discussions, which was held 21-23 August 2024, focused on the preparations for Uganda to host the upcoming African Union Heads of State and Government Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, from 9-11 January 2025.
The president welcomed Ambassador Sacko and the AU delegation to Uganda and expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to host the Summit. “This is music to my ears, and I am very happy to host this Summit. “We are ready to showcase Africa’s Agriculture potential and Uganda’s rich indigenous heritage in farming that forms a strong foundation for modernization and commercialisation of our Agriculture Sector”. The potential for agriculture in Africa remains huge and underexploited. In Uganda, our focus is to preserve of our indigenous agriculture like cows, goats, bananas, cassava, fish. among others” Museveni said.
H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko briefed the President on the progress made leading to the Extra-Ordinary Summit in January 2025, during which, the Kampala Declaration will be endorsed to succeed the 2014 Malabo Declaration. “Your Excellency, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) has become an Agenda 2063 flagship programme and the pivotal framework for accelerating agricultural transformation across Africa. Following the Maputo Declaration in 2003, the Malabo Declaration, adopted in 2014, built upon the Maputo declaration, introducing substantial modifications and ambitious commitments. The 20 years of CAADP implementation has seen an increase in Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), average incomes, agricultural output and productivity, agricultural trade and agricultural investments as well as a significant reduction in hunger and poverty”
The Validation Workshop held in Kampala from 21-23 August 2024 reviewed, validated, and provided input into the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan that was prepared by the drafting team that met in Uganda from 05 to 14, August to produce a first draft. The initial inputs to the report were generated from the Validation Workshop of the Reports of the 13 Technical Working Groups that took place in Zambia, from 25 to 30 July ,2024.
The draft Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) will be finalized and presented to the AU Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE) in October 2024, and subsequently to the Heads of State and Government during the Extraordinary Summit in January 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.
The validation workshop was closed by Honourable Rose Namayanja a former member of parliament calling upon the African Union to ensure the summit draws participants from a wide range of stakeholders especially the youth and young people in Agriculture sector. “Our economies rely heavily on the agricultural sector which employs about 65% of the working population, of which 63% are youth. Most of these youth reside in rural areas where agriculture is the major economic activity and better still, they have great potential with their numeric strength and use of technology to advance the sector” she stated. “I therefore call upon the AU to organise a pre-summit youth forum to allow the youth to share knowledge, innovation and experiences that we can leverage on to transform our agricultural sector for future generations. This plan should also focus on retaining and supporting youth and their employment in the various aspects of the agriculture value chain.
The validation workshop consolidated stakeholder feedback and inputs into the draft Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) that also builds upon lessons learnt and leverages on evidence from the implementation of the Maputo and Malabo CAADP declarations Malabo CAADP declarations. Aligned with CAADP principles, the plan prioritizes stimulating investment, fostering partnerships, empowering vulnerable smallholders, and leveraging resources to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods while addressing the impacts of climate change.
It also draws from the aspiration of Agenda 2063, the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan for Agenda2063 (2023-2034) and the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan incorporates insights from diverse experts while strategically adapting to address challenges to Africa’s food system transformation and takes into consideration emerging global trends. The CAADP Strategy and ten-year action plan will be presented to the AU policy organs at the Extra-ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government for adoption in January 2025.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa – Director of Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate (ARD) African Union Commission Email: BahiigwaG@africa-union.org
Dr Manyewu Mutamba – AUDA-NEPAD Senior Programme Officer, Food Security. Directorate of Agriculture, Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability. Email: Manyewum@nepad.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Peace Lydia Mutuwa, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission; Email MutuwaP@africa-union.org
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communications Directorate; African Union Commission Tel: 0911-630631; Email: MolaletT@africa-union.org
AIIDEV Africa is pleased to introduce the 2024 cohort of the Africa SDGs Mentorship Program, a seven-month fellowship that seeks to provide mentorship to young African professionals to enable them to become champions of sustainable development in their respective countries. The program is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to empower the next generation of African leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive sustainable development across the continent. The goal of the Africa SDGs Mentorship Programme is to equip young African professionals to become champions of sustainable development in their respective countries.
The Africa SDGs Mentorship Program aims to address the gap in mentorship opportunities for young professionals in Africa, particularly those who are passionate about sustainable development. The program is justified by the need to build the capacity of Africa Youths and provide them with the necessary support to become changemakers and leaders in their respective fields. By pairing young professionals with experienced mentors, the fellowship program will help to address the skills gap and build a new generation of leaders who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate in this program, please note the following criteria before proceeding with your application:
Applicants must be citizens of any African country between 25 and 40 years old.
Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field relevant.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years of professional work experience in a field related to sustainable development or a demonstrated commitment to working towards the SDGs through volunteer work or personal initiatives.
Applicants must have a genuine interest and passion for sustainable development and a desire to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in Africa.
Fellows should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their respective countries and communities.
Fellows must be available to actively participate in the seven-month mentorship program, including attending training sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings.
Applicants must be committed to fully engaging in the mentorship program, actively collaborating with their mentors and fellow participants, and completing all required program activities.
Applicants should have a good command of the English language, as the program will be conducted in English.
Applicants should have access to a reliable internet connection and necessary technology devices to fully participate in virtual activities and meetings.
Fellows may be required to provide references or recommendation letters from professionals or individuals who can attest to their qualifications, character, and commitment to sustainable development.
Benefits and Opportunities
The Africa SDGs Mentorship Program offers several benefits and opportunities for both fellows and mentors, including:
Fellows will have access to experienced mentors who can guide and support them in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Fellows will receive training and workshops in areas relevant to their interests and the SDGs.
Fellows will have the opportunity to network with other fellows and mentors and collaborate on sustainable development projects.
Mentors will have the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development in Africa by guiding and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Mentors will have the opportunity to share their expertise and experience with young professionals and contribute to their development.
NB: The Africa SDGs Mentorship Program will be conducted in English, and fellows must have adequate knowledge of the language. Applications not submitted in English will be disqualified. Selected applicants will be onboard and enrolled in the 7-month fellowship program starting in February 2025.
The application deadline for the 2024 cohort of the Africa SDGs Mentorship Program is January 31st, 2025 at 11:59PM (GMT+1). We encourage you to complete and submit this form before the deadline.
The Africa SDGs Mentorship Programme is a project of the AIIDEV Africa, a leading provider of development solutions in Africa, with the mission of innovating solutions to accelerate sustainable development.
