Ghana is pushing toward full seed sovereignty by 2026 as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) moves to eliminate the use of imported seeds and expand local production through intensified collaboration with international research institutions.
The transition marks a major structural shift in the agricultural sector. MoFA officials say imported seed reliance has exposed Ghana to foreign currency pressures, unpredictable pricing, and global supply disruptions.
By ending procurement of foreign seed varieties from the 2025/2026 farming season, the Ministry aims to reclaim full control over seed development, pricing, and supply volumes.
The localisation programme is being anchored by partnerships with the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Government of the Netherlands.
These partners are supporting Ghana with improved breeding technologies, trial sites and capacity-building for local seed producers.
MoFA believes this collaboration will accelerate the establishment of a fully domestic seed system capable of meeting national demand.
Economists say the policy carries significant macroeconomic benefits. Ghana spends millions of dollars annually on seed imports for crops such as rice and maize.
Reducing this expenditure will ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, reduce demand for dollars, and help stabilise the cedi.
Analysts argue that seed sovereignty is not only an agricultural priority but a tool for strengthening economic resilience at a time when import pressures continue to distort Ghana’s balance of payments.
The economic impact is expected to be felt at the farm level as well. Locally developed seeds, especially those supported by KOPIA and JICA’s advanced breeding systems, are tailored to Ghana’s soils, rainfall patterns and emerging climate threats.
Experts say these varieties are likely to deliver higher yields, stronger pest tolerance, and more consistent performance than many imported seeds, which often struggle under mid-season droughts and local pest conditions.
Higher yields mean higher incomes for farmers, better raw material supplies for processors, and reduced reliance on expensive grain imports for the poultry, brewery and edible oil industries.
Food price stability is also a critical motivation behind the localisation policy. Over the past three years, Ghana’s food inflation has been heavily influenced by inconsistent seed supply and low yields.
MoFA expects that a steady flow of high-quality local seeds will improve national production volumes, reduce seasonal shortages, and help moderate food price spikes that typically occur during lean seasons.
More predictable production will also support planning for millers, aggregators and major buyers of cereals and legumes.
The shift toward domestic seed production is expected to stimulate agribusiness growth across the value chain. MoFA anticipates strong expansion in seed testing, packaging, certification and distribution.
The Netherlands is supporting Ghana to upgrade laboratory infrastructure and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure local seeds meet global standards. Officials say these improvements will create new employment opportunities for youth, researchers and private seed companies.
MoFA views the localisation agenda as essential for long-term climate resilience. With many global seed producers facing climate-induced production declines, Ghana’s reliance on external supply has become increasingly risky.
By building a fully domestic system, the Ministry believes Ghana can safeguard its food security even in the face of global shocks.
Implementation guidelines for private sector participation, breeder seed access and certification requirements are expected to be released in early 2026.
