We have seen time and again that agriculture is resilient. From droughts to floods, from global crises to local challenges, it is the one sector that continues to feed, employ, and sustain generations of Ghanaians. As the country grapples with the economic complexities of the moment, agriculture is once again being called upon to lead the charge toward national recovery.
In fact, this very theme will take center stage at the upcoming National Economic Dialogue (NED), where experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders will converge to discuss ways to harness the full potential of agriculture in addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
The Dean of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast and a key planner of the event, Professor John Gatsi, shared his thoughts with The High Street Journal emphasizing that the sector’s resilience is not just a reflection of its past successes, but also a critical component in solving current economic issues.
“We cannot talk about economic recovery without focusing on agriculture,” Professor Gatsi explained. “It is the sector that has shown the most resilience over the years, especially during times of economic stress.”
A Renewed Focus on Key Crops and Diversification
As the dialogue progresses, it will address not only the importance of traditional staples like maize, cassava, and cocoa but also focus on emerging crops with the potential to thrive in Ghana’s changing climate and meet growing global market demands. Professor Gatsi stresses that diversification is a key aspect of the sector’s future.
“There is a strong need for diversification,” he stated. “Ghana’s agricultural future lies in both improving what we already produce and exploring new crops that can compete on a global scale.” This expanded focus on diversification will be critical in maintaining agricultural growth while adapting to both local and international challenges.
Private Sector Engagement: Building for the Future
However, achieving such growth will require more than just policy changes; it will demand significant private sector involvement. While government initiatives are crucial, the private sector’s investment is what will truly modernize farming techniques and expand agro-processing capabilities.
Professor Gatsi elaborated on this need, stressing that private sector engagement is indispensable to realizing the sector’s full potential. “The private sector must invest in agriculture,” he noted. “Without such investments, we cannot modernize and fully unlock the potential of our agricultural sector.”
Policy and Finance: The Backbone of Growth
In addition to private sector involvement, a key aspect of the upcoming NED discussions will focus on creating the right policies and providing financial support to strengthen agriculture. This includes providing resources to smallholder farmers, who are essential to the country’s agricultural output. Professor Gatsi pointed out that policies should not only aim to support large-scale farming but must also empower smallholder farmers.
“Policies should not only aim to support large-scale farming but also ensure that smallholder farmers have access to the right tools, financial resources, and technologies to succeed,” he remarked. By addressing both ends of the agricultural spectrum, these policies can ensure that all farmers are equipped to contribute to the sector’s growth.
Emphasizing Agriculture as a Key to Economic Stability
As Ghana continues to face its economic challenges, agriculture has emerged as a vital component in the broader conversation about the nation’s recovery. Mark Badu Aboagye, CEO of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), echoed this sentiment, to The High Street Journal, noting that while industrial and mineral sectors have often been the focal points of Ghana’s growth, agriculture holds the real promise for a more sustainable and resilient future. He highlighted agriculture’s significant employment capacity, which could be harnessed to reduce imports, boost local production, and improve food security.
“If we have growth in the agricultural sector, not only can we reduce imports, but we can also ensure food security and employ a significant number of people,” Aboagye explained. This, he believes, will help stabilize the currency and reduce the pressure on foreign exchange.
Aboagye also emphasized the importance of agricultural diversification and the use of technology to enhance productivity. By making agricultural products more competitive through innovation and technology, Ghana could open new doors to international markets, reducing the dependency on raw material exports.
“If we can make our products more competitive through innovation and technology, we will be in a better position to tap into international markets and reduce our dependency on raw material exports,” he noted. This strategy aligns with the need for broader economic diversification, creating a more stable foundation for growth.
A Path to Recovery
Ultimately, agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Ghana’s economic recovery. As both Professor Gatsi and Mr.Aboagye have pointed out, with the right investments, policies, and focus on diversification, agriculture can serve as the driving force behind a stronger and more self-sufficient economy. With agriculture taking center stage at the National Economic Dialogue, there is renewed hope that the sector’s resilience and potential will guide Ghana toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.
