Mahama secures 1,840 farm equipment deal from Belarus

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana has secured an agreement with Belarus for the supply of 1,840 pieces of agricultural machinery as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector.

He disclosed this during his address at the maiden Ghana–Belarus Business Forum held in Minsk, Belarus.

According to him, Ghana presents strong investment opportunities for businesses looking to expand into Africa, stressing that agriculture remains one of the most immediate and promising areas for collaboration between the two countries.

He noted that Belarus is globally recognised for its strength in agricultural machinery production, fertiliser manufacturing, and agro industrial systems, making it a strategic partner for Ghana’s development agenda.

President Mahama explained that Ghana is currently implementing an ambitious agricultural modernisation drive aimed at transforming food production and boosting productivity across the sector.

He said under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, investments are being channelled into mechanisation, irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, livestock development, and agro processing.

He further revealed that Farmer Service Centres are being established nationwide to provide farmers with access to machinery, technical expertise, and modern agricultural services.

“Indeed, the ongoing procurement of agricultural machinery from Belarus for these centres is a practical example of how our partnership is already yielding tangible results,” he stated.

“As I speak today, Ghana has placed an order for 1,840 pieces of agricultural equipment from Belarus. But this is only the beginning.”

President Mahama also extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in commercial farming, irrigation development, greenhouse cultivation, fertiliser production, poultry farming, aquaculture, food processing, and agricultural logistics.

He said Ghana’s fertile land, favourable climate, and expanding market make it one of the most attractive destinations for agribusiness investment in Africa.

Turning to the health sector, he said there are significant prospects for cooperation, noting that government is expanding healthcare access while investing in specialised areas such as cancer treatment, vaccine production, and medical research.

He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment manufacturing, diagnostics, telemedicine, and health technologies, adding that Belarusian expertise could support Ghana’s ongoing healthcare transformation.

He said, “The future, it is said, belongs to nations that embrace technology and innovation.”

He added, “And so Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading digital economy in Africa. We have launched our national artificial intelligence strategy titled 'AI for Good'.”

According to him, government is training one million young people in coding while expanding STEM education, digital skills development, and innovation ecosystems across the country.

He also disclosed that a major technology and artificial intelligence hub is under development in Ghana, expected to support growth in data centres, cybersecurity, fintech, agritech, health tech, and business process outsourcing.

“We welcome the Belarusian partnership in software development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, technology transfer and innovation,” he stated.

Beyond agriculture and technology, President Mahama said Ghana also offers strong opportunities in industrial manufacturing and value addition.

“Our approach is clear. We seek to move beyond exporting raw materials. We seek to process, manufacture, and create value within Ghana.”

He added that additional investment prospects exist in mining services, mineral processing, industrial equipment, textiles, housing, construction materials, and renewable energy.