Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has announced the development of a National Agribusiness Policy aimed at providing strategic direction for investment and coordination within the agribusiness ecosystem. The policy will focus on value addition, competitiveness, processing standards, and supply chain resilience.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama made this announcement during his keynote address at the inaugural National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra. The Dialogue, themed 'Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,' seeks to develop a homegrown policy crafted by those who understand the local challenges, rather than relying on imported solutions that may not suit Ghana's context.
President Mahama praised the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry for organizing the Dialogue and spearheading a bold policy realignment to integrate agribusiness into Ghana's industrial and trade agenda. He highlighted the strategic decision to transition Ghana from an agrarian economy to a competitive, export-led industrial hub, positioning agribusiness as the cornerstone of economic transformation.
Emphasizing the need for urgent action, President Mahama called for the repositioning of the agribusiness sector to drive industrial growth, job creation, and export diversification. He described the Dialogue as a crucial turning point in Ghana's economic journey and a declaration of intent for progress.
The President stressed the importance of developing infrastructure and food corridors, particularly in northeastern Ghana, to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products. He noted the projected growth of the global agribusiness market, offering countries like Ghana a significant opportunity given its vast arable land, abundant water resources, and youthful population.
President Mahama outlined several initiatives to support agribusiness development, including the Keep the Industries Initiative, Rapid Industrialization Initiative, and the Accelerated Export Development Programme. These initiatives aim to drive a 24-hour economy, relying on the year-round availability of raw materials through expanded irrigation and mechanization.
The President introduced the Feed Industry Programme, anchored on four strategic pillars: Commercial Farmer Development, Post-harvest Loss Solution Centers, Industrial and Market Development, and Institutional Capacity Building. He expressed confidence that these pillars would increase industrial capacity utilization in Ghana from 30-40% to 70-80%.
To support this vision, the Government is compiling a comprehensive list of agro-processed products manufactured in Ghana to guide procurement and promote local content in agro-industrial consumption.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, praised President Mahama for his leadership and vision, which reinforce the belief in agribusiness's potential for national development, job creation, industrialization, and food security. She emphasized the Ministry's expanded mandate to include agribusiness, marking a pivotal shift in sector development.
The theme of the Dialogue reflects the Government's goal to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the agribusiness value chain, empowering women, smallholders, and SMEs while promoting environmental stewardship and resilience. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the need for the agribusiness sector to evolve beyond traditional confines.
