Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' Program set to boost food security, youth employment

The Ghanaian Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) is advancing its ambitious "Feed Ghana" program, a cornerstone of President Mahama's agricultural agenda.

Details of the initiative were shared on Monday, 16th June 2025, during an insightful session at GBC URA Radio studios in Bolgatanga.

Hosted by Florence Ayamga, the in-studio session was resourced by key MOFA figures: Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini (The regional director of Agriculture, Upper East Region), Peter Nuhu (Coordinator of Farm Service Centers), and Charles Ayueboro Adama (Deputy Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate, MOFA Headquarters in Accra).

"Feed Ghana" is designed with multifaceted objectives: to fundamentally transform agricultural output, guarantee national food security, generate vital employment opportunities for the nation's youth, curtail imports, and amplify agricultural exports. Additionally, it aims to bolster the production of raw materials essential for value-added processing. Peter Nuhu highlighted that the program, initially launched recently, is now actively rolling out a comprehensive suite of benefits and sub-programs.

A central pillar of the "Feed Ghana" strategy is the mandatory involvement of farmers in registered cooperative groups. Charles Ayueboro Adama underscored that these farmer-based organizations must be both community-specific and commodity-focused, specializing in designated crops or livestock. The program's focus commodities span cereals and legumes (maize, rice, soya bean, sorghum), various vegetables (tomatoes, onions, pepper), and essential starchy crops (plantain, yam, cassava).

Beyond crop cultivation, the program extends its reach to the livestock sector, with Peter Nuhu confirming support for poultry, large and small ruminants (including goats, sheep, and cows), and pigs as priority areas. He assured that while these are primary focuses, the broader support framework would accommodate other animal rearing initiatives.

Prospective beneficiaries are urged to register their groups at the district level through local Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs). Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini emphasized the urgency of registration, advising farmers against delays given that the agricultural season is already underway.

In a move to modernize and streamline farmer data, Charles Ayueboro Adama announced that all existing farmer groups are required to re-register. New groups are stipulated to comprise between 15 and 40 members, though established groups with more than 40 members can register their full roster.

A critical infrastructural development under "Feed Ghana" involves the establishment of Farmer Service Centers across every district. Peter Nuhu elaborated that these centers will provide cooperative farmers with access to essential machinery, such as power tillers and planters, for plowing, planting, and harvesting operations. This centralized machinery pool aims to overcome historical challenges with access to farm equipment and serves as a vital tool in combating agricultural smuggling, which has previously undermined government programs.

Addressing climatic concerns, particularly the erratic rainfall patterns in the northern regions, Peter Nuhu affirmed that agricultural infrastructure and irrigation are integral components of "Feed Ghana." This inclusion reflects a proactive approach to climate adaptation and the promotion of dry season farming, offering reassurance to farmers in drought-prone areas.

MOFA officials stressed that the cooperative model is foundational to ensuring accountability and transparency. By working through established groups, the program can effectively trace beneficiaries, guarantee that agricultural inputs like fertilizers reach their intended recipients, and thus significantly reduce instances of fraud and smuggling. Furthermore, input quantities, such as fertilizer application, will be scientifically determined by AEAs based on specific agronomic requirements.