Ghana’s economic resurgence depends on agribusiness, mechanised farming, and reducing reliance on imported staple foods, according to Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a board member of the Bank of Ghana.
Speaking on GHOne TV on Monday, March 3, 2025, Mr. Adongo underscored that under the leadership of John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will focus on modernising agriculture and investing in agribusiness to drive economic growth.
“Agribusiness is the future. If we get it right, we will generate employment, enhance food production, and improve food security,” he asserted.
Mr. Adongo pointed out that outdated farming techniques continue to limit agricultural productivity in Ghana. To tackle this issue, the NDC government intends to establish Agricultural Mechanisation Centres across the country, providing farmers with access to modern farming equipment.
“We cannot persist with primitive, slash-and-burn farming methods. We need mechanisation centres where farmers can obtain tractors, harvesters, and irrigation equipment at subsidised rates,” he remarked.
He also emphasised the urgency of reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported rice and maize, which costs the country millions of dollars annually.
“We must end Ghana’s excessive reliance on imported rice and maize. These are crops we can cultivate domestically, and we will support our farmers to meet local demand,” he stated.
Mr. Adongo added that a Mahama-led government would implement policies to encourage large-scale farming, offer financial and technical support to farmers, and create market opportunities for local agricultural produce.
“Our objective is to transform agriculture into a profitable and competitive industry that sustains the nation, generates long-term employment, and strengthens the economy,” he concluded.