Addressing a high-level global forum on job creation in Rome, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has outlined a robust roadmap for transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector into a primary engine for sustainable youth employment.
With agriculture currently contributing nearly 30% of Ghana’s GDP and supporting 24% of the labor force, Hon. Opoku noted that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) is positioning the sector as a viable business enterprise capable of absorbing the 160,000 young people entering the labor market annually.
“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is operationalizing this vision through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). This agenda serves as the strategic blueprint for modernization, focusing on high-impact interventions that make farming an attractive and profitable venture for the youth”
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture
Hon. Eric Opoku emphasized that moving beyond subsistence farming is essential to linking the sector with broader Industrialization goals. By integrating technology, improving infrastructure, and streamlining market linkages, MoFA aims to create a resilient ecosystem where agriculture is treated as a professional career path rather than a last-resort occupation.
“When farmers have access to inputs, markets, and infrastructure, they can expand production, create jobs, and drive economic growth,” the Minister added.
According to him, the cornerstone of the Ministry’s current efforts is the Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative designed to tackle the structural inefficiencies – such as low productivity and high post-harvest losses – that have historically hindered the sector.
By reintroducing “fertilizer subsidies,” and providing direct support through the establishment of “Farmer Service Centres,” the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is reducing the barriers to entry for smallholder farmers.
These centers act as essential hubs, providing the tools, technology, and extension services necessary to modernize operations and scale production to meet both domestic and international demand. Hon. Opoku noted that this strategy also embraces the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which is being applied to agro-processing and manufacturing clusters.
MoFA intends to maximize the utilization of industrial capacity, reduce supply chain bottlenecks, and stabilize prices for consumers by encouraging round-the-clock operations.
According to the Minister, this policy shift is expected to transform the agricultural value chain, ensuring that raw commodities are processed into higher-value finished goods, thereby creating more sustainable jobs for young Ghanaians.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Market Access
To ensure that the modernization of agriculture translates into tangible economic growth, the Minister explained that MoFA is prioritizing a significant expansion of rural infrastructure. The commitment to building farm roads and enhancing national food storage facilities is a critical step in reducing food loss and connecting remote producers to major market centers.
Furthermore, the development of irrigation schemes is intended to mitigate the risks associated with climate-dependent rainfall, allowing for year-round agricultural production that supports consistent supply lines for local industry.
The forum in Rome, attended by leaders from the World Bank, Italy, and Singapore, provided a platform for MoFA’s leadership to emphasize that such investments are not just agricultural interventions but macroeconomic imperatives.
By aligning these domestic policies with global best practices in financing and technology, the Ministry is working to catalyze private sector investment. This collaborative approach, involving both the state and private stakeholders, is essential to moving Ghana toward a self-sufficient, export-led economy that leverages its rich natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.
The vision presented by Hon. Eric Opoku is one of inclusive growth. By targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities, the AETA and Feed Ghana Programme are designed to ensure that the transformation of the sector is broad-based.
“The focus on greenhouse agriculture, land banks, and technical training is specifically tailored to equip the next generation of agribusiness leaders with the skills and assets needed to thrive in a modern economy”
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
As the government moves forward with these integrated initiatives, the success of the agricultural sector will be measured by its ability to act as a multiplier for other sectors. By securing the food supply chain and fostering a vibrant agribusiness sector, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is laying the foundation for a more resilient Ghana.
Through continued investment in infrastructure, finance, and human capital, the state is demonstrating to the world that agriculture, when properly resourced, is indeed the most powerful tool for national transformation and prosperity.
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