In a bid to revitalize Ghana’s agricultural sector and tackle food security challenges, the government has introduced the Agric for Economic Transformation program. Announced during the 2025 budget presentation, the initiative aims to modernize agriculture, promote agribusiness, curb food inflation, and generate employment opportunities.
Dr. Frank Kwekucher Ackah, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Crop Science, shared insights with The High Street Journal on the necessity and impact of this policy, emphasizing that while past administrations have introduced various agricultural programs, this initiative presents a more holistic approach.
Why Now?
Dr. Ackah acknowledges that past administrations have implemented various agricultural policies, but this new approach presents a more comprehensive and structured framework. With food inflation at an all-time high and reliance on imports increasing, the government seeks to strengthen food security while ensuring that agribusiness is no longer sidelined.
Key Components of the Agric for Economic Transformation Initiative
The initiative will establish farmer service centers to provide mechanization support, making tractors and other essential farming equipment more accessible. This will address the long-standing challenge of limited access to modern machinery for small and large-scale farmers alike.
Recognizing that land acquisition remains a significant hurdle for agricultural investment, the government will introduce Farm Banks in designated agricultural zones. These banks will streamline land access for farmers and investors, ensuring secure and sustainable land use for large-scale agricultural ventures.
To combat food inflation, the government will implement the Feed Ghana Program, focusing on boosting domestic production of essential grains such as maize, rice, soybeans, and sorghum. This program aims to reduce reliance on food imports while enhancing national food security.
As part of the strategy to mitigate food shortages, the Yeridia Project will encourage household farming. By promoting home gardening of staple vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers, the initiative aims to reduce dependency on market purchases and ease pressure on household food expenses
Key Features of the Initiative
The program introduces Farmer Service Centers to provide mechanization support, helping farmers access inputs and machinery efficiently. Additionally, Farm Banks will be established in agricultural zones to streamline land acquisition, a major bottleneck for investors.
The Feed Ghana Program, a core component of the policy, aims to boost local production of maize, rice, soybeans, and sorghum. It also emphasizes household farming through the Yeridia Project, which encourages home gardening to alleviate pressure on market supply.
Dr. Ackah believes that if implemented effectively, the initiative could significantly lower food prices in both the short and long term. He emphasizes that the key lies in improved access to land, inputs, irrigation, and credit facilities, which will boost production and stabilize prices.
“I always say that the surest way to improve food security in ghana is through home gardening. When you encourage every home to at least grow some of the basics food, I think it will help to ease the pressure on the little available food on the market, and then it will also lessen the burden of family spending so much on food” He told The High Street Journal.
For the policy to succeed, private sector participation is crucial. Dr. Ackah highlights opportunities for agribusiness investment in seed production, input supply, irrigation systems, and mechanization services. Partnerships with corporate organizations and NGOs can further enhance the initiative’s reach, ensuring sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
“I think the government needs to be in partnership with the private sector where individuals can also support in any way possible and I am sure some of these organizations have such plans on their corporate social responsibility. These companies can channel their attention to promoting gardening and then supporting gardeners in the communities and where they are operating”. He emphasized.
With food prices reaching unprecedented levels and agriculture being a cornerstone of the Ghanaian economy, the Agric for Economic Transformation initiative presents a timely intervention. Its success will depend on effective implementation, government commitment, and active participation from both private and public stakeholders. If executed strategically, this program has the potential to not only stabilize food prices but also position Ghana as a competitive player in global agribusiness markets.
