Ghana’s seed industry is pushing for a comprehensive review of the country’s Seed Policy, arguing that the 2013 framework no longer reflects the realities of modern agriculture.
The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) says the policy that has guided the sector for the past 12 years has outlived its usefulness and is failing to address new challenges such as climate change, biotechnology advancement, and private sector investment.
President of the Association, Mr. Mubarak Seidu Abdulai, makes the call at the 6th Ghana Seed Business Forum held in Accra. The forum, organised by NASTAG in partnership with the National Seed Council (NSC), brings together policymakers, seed producers, scientists, investors and regulators to deliberate on how to strengthen Ghana’s seed value chain and make it more attractive to private capital.
Mr. Abdulai says while the 2013 policy provided direction for the industry at its inception, the agricultural landscape has changed significantly and the country needs a new blueprint.
“It’s been 12 years since the policy was introduced. We need to holistically review it, take stock of what has worked, and determine what new directions are required, especially considering climate change and modern biotechnology.”
Mr. Abdulai
According to him, the failure to update the policy is creating major investment gaps that are holding back productivity. He points to critical areas such as irrigation for seed multiplication, modern seed storage facilities, cold chain systems, and technical capacity building for local seed companies.
Because of these gaps, Ghana continues to depend heavily on imported certified seeds, a situation he describes as costly and unsustainable.
“The continuous importation of seeds we can produce locally is costing us foreign exchange, creating job losses, and weakening our research and regulatory institutions.”
Mr. Abdulai
He warns that the current trend does not only drain foreign exchange but also undermines Ghana’s sovereignty over its food system. When the country relies on external sources for planting materials, it loses control over what is grown, how it is grown, and what ultimately reaches the consumer.
“A strong local seed sector will not only create jobs for the youth but also help Ghana control what we grow and eat,” he adds. To reverse the trend, NASTAG is proposing strong protectionist measures to support local producers.
NASTAG Pushes for Ban on Importation of Locally Producible Seeds
The Association wants government to place a temporary ban on the importation of seed varieties that can be produced locally. Where an outright ban is not feasible, it is asking for the introduction of higher tariffs on imported seeds.
The revenue generated from such tariffs, the Association argues, should be ring fenced and reinvested into the local seed industry to improve infrastructure, research and competitiveness.
“Currently, seed imports come in almost freely. If we can’t halt them entirely, we propose that higher tariffs be placed on those imports, and the proceeds channelled into developing our local seed industry.”
Mr. Abdulai
The call comes at a time when Ghanaian research institutions have developed several improved crop varieties that are yet to reach farmers on a large scale. Director of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Michael Osae, reveals that less than 20 per cent of crop varieties developed in Ghana are currently being used by farmers.
He says institutions such as the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) have recently released new high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of cowpea and soybean.
Other research centres have also developed fall armyworm-resistant maize, nutrient-enriched maize, and improved cassava varieties that can withstand harsh weather conditions and boost yields.
Despite these breakthroughs, commercialization remains low because local seed companies lack the capacity and investment to multiply and distribute the seeds widely.
“Less than 20 per cent of the crop varieties developed in Ghana are currently being utilised. This shows there is room for investors to partner with research institutions to commercialise these seeds and make them available to farmers.”
Mr. Abdulai
He stresses that closer collaboration between research institutions and the private sector is the fastest way to bridge the gap between laboratory success and farm level impact.
Private Sector Key to Improving Seed Access and Food Security
Prof. Osae notes that expanding private sector participation in seed production and marketing will not only make improved seeds accessible but will also enhance national food security and reduce Ghana’s dependence on food imports.
However, they caution that without a revised policy that addresses biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, intellectual property rights for breeders, and incentives for local production, the country will continue to miss opportunities.
For NASTAG, the review is urgent, the Association argues that a modernised seed policy will create a clear pathway for youth engagement in the seed business, encourage technology transfer, and position Ghana to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market for agricultural inputs.
The 6th Ghana Seed Business Forum ends with a consensus that government must take the lead in initiating the policy review process, while engaging all stakeholders to ensure the new framework is inclusive and forward looking.
As Ghana pursues its agenda to build resilient food systems and create jobs through agriculture, industry players believe fixing the seed sector the foundation of all crop production is the most critical first step.
