President John Dramani Mahama has launched the “Feed Ghana Programme” in Techiman, the Bono East Regional capital, aimed at transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The programme seeks to boost agricultural production, provide support to farmers, and enhance the country’s food systems. By focusing on smart farming techniques, key crop cultivation, and poultry sector revitalization, the initiative aims to ensure food security, alleviate poverty, and stabilize food prices.
Key components of the programme include establishing farmers’ service centers, developing farm banks, promoting crop cultivation, and supporting urban farming. The Poultry Industry Revitalisation Programme will increase poultry production in collaboration with the Poultry Farmers’ Association, providing incentives for household poultry farming and boosting domestic consumption.
Additionally, a national oil palm industry policy will offer incentives to support palm oil production, addressing Ghana’s consumption deficit and promoting commercial plantations. The programme aims to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports, which currently exceed $2 billion annually, and mitigate risks to economic stability.
By empowering young people and women, generating sustainable employment, and increasing local raw material production, the “Feed Ghana Programme” is poised to have a significant impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector and economy.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
