Despite Ghana’s fertile and vast agricultural landscape, the country finds itself heavily reliant on food imports.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2023 Trade Report, grains, cereals, meat, animal or vegetable fats and oil, and fish products collectively constitute a staggering 50.4% of all food product imports into the country.
This reliance on imported food underscores a critical issue within Ghana’s agricultural and economic sectors, turning the country into an import-reliant economy.
Professor Charles Ackah, a distinguished lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Economics Department, commenting on the vexed matter voiced his concern regarding this troubling trend.
He argued that Ghana, blessed with one of the most fertile lands in Africa, should not find itself in such a predicament, emphasizing the need for serious reflection on the country’s approach to agriculture.
“When it comes to food imports, I think that is an area we need to have a national conversation. It’s a security issue, it’s a national security issue. That we don’t have a handle, or control to produce what we eat, is an indictment on the leadership of the country”.
Professor Charles Ackah, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Economics Department
The Associate Professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) further pointed out that despite various government initiatives, such as the Planting for Food and Jobs programs, there has been insufficient progress.
He drew attention to the era of former President Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, who took agriculture seriously, implying that current efforts are inadequate.
Furthermore, Professor Ackah asserted that the continuous importation of basic food items like tomatoes, onions, chicken, and various vegetables from neighbouring Sahel countries is a clear indication of the failure of those in charge of the country’s agricultural policy.
He posited that the lack of proper policy and investment in agriculture is the root causes of this failure, cautioning that without a robust agricultural sector the country’s industrialization efforts also risk of failing.
Food Security and Sovereignty
Moreover, the Associate Professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER stated that in today’s increasingly insecure global environment, food sovereignty and security are critical.
Professor Ackah emphasized that not achieving these will put Ghana in “big trouble”, highlighting the issue as a matter of national security.
“When we have so much water resources, we have so much fertile land, the season is good for most part of the Southern part, in Afram Plains. I visited Afram Plains and interacted with the farmers. This current farming season, they are at the mercy of the weather. They are praying basically for rain. Some of them planted maize, and for two or three seasons it was not raining. all those maize seedlings were imported”.
Professor Charles Ackah, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Economics Department
In addition, Professor Ackah criticized successive government’s lack of investment in research and development institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which could produce resilient seeds suited to Ghana’s climate.
He also decried the underfunding of several agricultural colleges and departments at major universities like KNUST, the University of Ghana, and the University of Cape Coast.
This lack of investment, he noted compels the country to import seeds and other agricultural inputs at high costs, exacerbating the import-reliant status of the country.
Given the above, it is therefore imperative that Ghana shift its focus towards strengthening its agricultural sector.
Professor Ackah’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the urgent need for the government to invest in agriculture and associated research and development.
By doing so, Ghana can aim to reverse the current situation and potentially become a net exporter of food products to harness the full potential of Ghana’s fertile land and secure the nation’s food sovereignty.
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