Ghana’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors are on the cusp of a major transformation. With a comprehensive plan to drive economic growth, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is poised to reenergize these vital sectors through its Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). This bold initiative is designed to modernize agriculture, promote agribusiness, and create robust value chain linkages—unlocking vast opportunities for private sector investment, innovation, and collaboration.
Building a Robust Value Chain Infrastructure
At the heart of the NDC’s strategy is the development of a resilient value chain infrastructure. The party envisions the establishment of Farmer Service Centres in every agricultural district, providing farmers with the latest equipment, technologies, and inputs. Complementing this will be the creation of Farm Banks within agricultural zones, ensuring farmers, particularly the youth, have access to land, irrigation facilities, and the financial support needed to expand their operations.
This strategy is not just about farming—it’s about laying the groundwork for a thriving agribusiness ecosystem. The NDC plans to back large-scale farming initiatives with both technical and financial assistance, creating fertile ground for agribusinesses to flourish.
Feed Ghana Programme: A Blueprint for Agricultural Excellence
The NDC’s Feed Ghana Programme is set to be a game-changer for food production. Under the Transformational Grains Development (TGD) Project, the party aims to significantly boost the production of staple crops like maize, rice, soya beans, and sorghum. This project is designed not only to meet domestic demand but also to position Ghana as a key player in regional and global markets.
Additionally, the Vegetable Development Project (‘YƐREDUA’) will enhance the production of high-demand vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Through modern farming techniques and innovative solutions like greenhouses, the NDC aims to create sustainable and profitable urban and peri-urban farming enterprises.
Livestock and Fisheries: Building a Sustainable Future
Recognizing the immense potential of the livestock and fisheries sectors, the NDC plans to inject new life into these industries. Key initiatives include revitalizing the poultry industry, introducing new livestock breeds, and establishing Capacity Building Centres across the country. The creation of a Blue Economy Commission will also be a priority, focusing on sustainable marine and freshwater resource management while boosting aquaculture and fish farming.
Cocoa and Strategic Crops: A New Dawn for Ghana’s Heritage Crops
Cocoa, a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, is set to receive a much-needed boost under the NDC’s plans. The party will reintroduce free fertilizers, improved seedlings, and other agro-inputs to increase cocoa production and support the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. The strategy extends to other strategic crops like cotton, shea, oil palm, and cashew, with the Tree Crop Development Programme at the forefront of efforts to enhance production and sustainability.
Agro-Processing: Driving Economic Expansion
To ensure that Ghana reaps the full benefits of its agricultural bounty, the NDC is committed to supporting the establishment of agro-processing factories for key crops such as sugar, rice, cassava, cocoa, and cotton. This move is aimed at not only creating jobs but also promoting local value addition, ensuring that Ghanaian products can compete on the global stage.
Unlocking Opportunities Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
The NDC’s vision for the agricultural sector hinges on active collaboration with the private sector. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will be instrumental in driving investments, fostering product and service innovations, and developing a skilled workforce.
Investment Opportunities
The private sector is encouraged to explore investments in agro-processing factories, storage facilities, and distribution networks. With government support, these investments will be key to unlocking Ghana’s agricultural potential.
Product and Service Innovations
There’s a strong call for innovation in agricultural technologies, from precision farming to controlled-environment agriculture. The development of value-added products from strategic crops like cocoa, shea butter, and palm oil also presents a lucrative opportunity for private enterprises.
Skills Development
The NDC recognizes the importance of a skilled workforce in achieving its goals. Private sector partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies will be crucial in offering training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and mentorship opportunities—particularly for youth and women in agriculture.
Resetting Opportunities in the Agriculture and Agribusiness Value Chains
The NDC’s ambitious policies on value chain infrastructure and linkages present an unprecedented opportunity for private sector decision-makers. By investing in Ghana’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors, companies can not only contribute to national development but also tap into a growing market with immense potential. From building state-of-the-art infrastructure to pioneering innovative products and services, the possibilities are vast.
As the NDC prepares to lead the charge in revitalising Ghana’s agriculture, the private sector’s role has never been more critical. Together, we can build a modern, resilient, and inclusive agricultural economy that not only ensures food security and reduces inflation but also creates sustainable jobs and drives economic growth for the nation. The time to act is now, and the opportunities are ripe for those ready to seize them.
Written by Harry Ekow Yamson, Spokesperson, Agriculture & Agribusiness, NDC
