Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed Ghana’s firm commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and inclusive economic growth during her keynote address at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, one of the world’s most respected forums on food and agriculture.
In her remarks, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, whose belief that “no child should go to bed hungry” continues to inspire global efforts to end hunger and improve food systems. She urged the world to keep that moral vision at the center of modern agricultural strategies.
Agriculture: The Heart of Ghana’s Economy
The Vice President highlighted that nearly 40% of Ghanaians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet the country still spends more than USD 2 billion each year on food imports.
“This must change,” she emphasized, calling for renewed focus on productivity, value addition, and food self-sufficiency.
President Mahama’s Feed Ghana Programme
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang outlined President John Dramani Mahama’s bold agricultural agenda under the Feed Ghana Programme, which targets 22 key commodity value chains — including grains, legumes, vegetables, tree crops, and livestock.
The initiative aims to tackle major challenges in irrigation, storage, processing, cooperative development, digital integration, and market access, all of which are essential to creating a resilient and competitive agricultural sector.
Grow24 and the 24-Hour Economy
She further highlighted the Grow24 Programme, a flagship component of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, designed to:
- Modernize agriculture and agro-value chains
- Boost agro-manufacturing and exports
- Support investment-ready agribusinesses
These efforts are complemented by a five-year Agricultural Risk Management Strategy, which will stabilize poultry, tomato, and maize production in key regions — ensuring consistent supply and market stability.
Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the need for gender equity in agricultural development, noting that women make up more than half of Ghana’s agricultural workforce, yet often lack access to land, finance, and technology.
To address this, the government is establishing a Women’s Development Bank to provide affordable financing and boost women’s participation in agribusiness. Ghana is also investing in youth-led agritech, mechanization services, and digital market platforms to attract young innovators into agriculture.
From Raw Commodities to Value-Added Products
The Vice President emphasized Ghana’s shift from exporting raw crops to producing value-added agricultural products. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquartered in Accra, Ghana is strategically positioned to become a hub for regional agro-value chains and agro-exports across Africa.
She called on investors, governments, universities, and development partners to collaborate with Ghana in driving a new era of sustainable agricultural transformation.
Fireside Conversation and World Food Prize Presentation
After her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang joined Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank, for a fireside discussion on agricultural modernization, value addition, and inclusive growth.
The event concluded with a symbolic moment as she helped present the 2025 World Food Prize to Dr. Marieangela Hungria, a renowned Brazilian agronomist and microbiologist recognized for her groundbreaking work in biological nitrogen fixation — a major breakthrough for sustainable global agriculture.
Ghana’s Vision for the Future
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s participation reaffirmed Ghana’s leadership in agricultural innovation and food systems transformation. Her message — built on partnership, inclusion, and sustainability — aligns perfectly with the legacy of Dr. Borlaug and Ghana’s national vision for a prosperous, food-secure future.