The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, has asserted that with the right priorities in place, the African continent is capable of producing nearly all the needed food commodities without having to depend on the importation of foreign goods.
As a keynote speaker at this year’s Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, the vice president expressed her belief in the African continent’s viability for agriculture given its highly tropical climatic conditions.
The Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, often called the Borlaug Dialogue, is an annual global conference on food security and agricultural innovation. It is organized by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa (USA), in honor of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate known as the “Father of the Green Revolution.”
The Dialogue often brings together leaders, scientists, policymakers, farmers, and development experts to find solutions for ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. It focuses on critical issues such as climate change, biotechnology, food systems transformation, gender equity, youth engagement, and food security.
The event attracts participants from over 60 countries, including Nobel laureates and world leaders. Held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, it serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas in agricultural development. The Dialogue coincides with the World Food Prize Award Ceremony, which honors individuals making exceptional contributions to global food security.
H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang emphasized that agriculture is an integral part of Ghana’s identity and its economy, noting the need to ensure a high level of quality for everyone within the agricultural value chain.
“Ghana believes that she should be able to grow nearly all the food she consumes. Life in the tropics implies a boom for agriculture. Our value chains hold tremendous potential, requiring deeper integration, modernization, partnerships, and collaborations.”
H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic
At a dialogue that serves as a platform for sharing innovative ideas in agricultural development, the vice president seized the moment to share with participants Ghana’s strategic reforms in agriculture, including the Feed Ghana program and the Grow24 program.
“The Feed Ghana program is His Excellency President John Mahama’s flagship initiative to accelerate transformation in a coordinated, market-driven manner. Complementing Feed Ghana is our Grow24 program, which is part of Ghana’s broader 24-hour economy strategy.
“Grow24 is intended to modernize agriculture, mechanize value chains, increase productivity, and link agribusinesses to export and domestic markets. We aim for food self-sufficiency, rural job creation, climate resilience, and stronger agro-manufacturing.”
H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic
She further stated that the targeted transformation for which these reforms are being implemented will be incomplete without equity and inclusion.
She noted the many challenges Ghanaian women face in the agricultural sector, despite their constituting the majority of the agricultural workforce.
“Women make up over half of Ghana’s agricultural workforce, yet too many lack access to credit, to land, to technology, and even to training. And this is why our forthcoming Women’s Development Bank and inclusive policies are targeting these inequities. We all know that when women prosper, families and nations flourish.”
H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic
The Vice President also emphasized the Ghanaian youth’s readiness to contribute to the transformation of agriculture in the country, describing them as “determined, hard-working, and forward-looking youth ready to lead the next innovations.”
She further stated that with this kind of determination culminated with government commitment, “Africa can feed herself, reduce dependency on imports, and empower millions of youths and women across the continent.”
H.E Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang also noted that each generation must contribute its quota to the course of agricultural transformation, emphasizing that “Ghana is deeply committed to running her leg of this race.”
“Let this generation be defined not by our deficits, but by our resolve. Let history record that under our stewardship, Africa did not merely survive hunger; it became a net exporter of food, innovation, hope, and peace. And we all know that we can.”
H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic
She emphasized that inasmuch as Ghana is committed to her resolve for agricultural transformation and development, there would be the need for collaborations to help actualize this remarkable vision.
She therefore reiterated the call by the Minister for Agriculture for collaborations from investors, governments, universities, development banks, and foundations to partner with Ghana.
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