Feed Ghana Programme launched to boost food security, cut imports, and create jobs

Accra, Sept. 17, GNA – The Government has rolled out the Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship agricultural initiative aimed at modernising farming, cutting food imports, and creating jobs across the country.

The programme, launched by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), will provide farmers with improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation services, and extension advice. It also promotes climate-smart practices for cereals, legumes, vegetables, tubers, and tree crops, while expanding livestock and poultry production.

Ghana currently spends over US$2 billion annually on food imports, including rice, poultry, and onions. Officials say the Feed Ghana Programme seeks to reduce this dependency by increasing local production and ensuring year-round availability of key staples.

According to MoFA, the initiative is anchored on nine sub-programmes, including crop and livestock development, farmer service centres, farm banks, institutional farming, feed-the-industry linkages, agro-production enclaves, innovative financing, and policy reforms. Together, these cover production, finance, and market access.

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A central feature of the programme is its focus on farmer cooperatives and Farmer-Based Organisations (FBOs). To participate, farmers must belong to groups of 15 to 40 members, registered with local agricultural departments or cooperatives. Through these groups, members will access subsidised inputs, credit, insurance, and direct market linkages.

Regional and District Agriculture Departments will register and validate cooperatives, provide technical support, and monitor activities. Youth, women, and persons with disabilities have been prioritised for agribusiness training and financing under the initiative.

Government believes the programme has the potential to transform Ghana’s food systems by raising yields, cutting costs, and creating opportunities along the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and marketing.

For farmers like Yussif Adams in Tolon, Northern Region, the initiative could be a lifeline. “This programme is our hope for higher yields and fair market prices,” he said, echoing the expectations of many smallholders.

MoFA has called on farmers, cooperatives, and institutions nationwide to embrace the programme, stressing that its success depends on broad participation.