Ghana's Bold Move: 70,000 Farmers to Get Game-Changing Agri-Tech Access
Ghana is making a powerful statement in the fight for food security and economic transformation. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has pledged to connect more than 70,000 local farmers under the Feed Ghana Programme with cutting-edge agribusinesses and agri-solution providers from across West Africa. This is not just about farming; it is about building a self-sufficient and prosperous future for the region.
Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, the National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, made this announcement at the just-ended 2nd West Africa Agri Show. After inspecting value chain products, services, and machinery, he laid out a clear vision: to transform the region's agricultural system by linking farm produce directly to storage facilities, manufacturing companies, and other key players in the value chain.
What does this mean for Ghanaian farmers?
This initiative is a direct shot at solving some of the most stubborn problems in African agriculture: low productivity, poor irrigation, and massive post-harvest losses. Demordzi stressed that many of the technologies on display tackle these exact issues. The plan is simple but ambitious: take these solutions directly to the farmers who need them most.
“One of the major components of the Feed Ghana Programme is working directly with the farmers at the cooperative level. Currently, there are over 70,000 farmers in cooperatives across the country. So, we will collaborate and connect them to the solutions,” Demordzi explained.
He didn't just talk about technology; he challenged exhibitors to step out of the showroom. His call to action was for them to conduct practical field demonstrations and trials directly with farmers. The goal is to prove that these solutions work in the real world, not just on paper, to encourage stronger buy-in and lasting adoption.
Why is this a game-changer for West Africa?
The vision extends beyond Ghana's borders. Demordzi is confident that the West Africa Agri Show, with its next edition scheduled for September 2027, is here to stay and will grow into a major market event for the sub-region. This is about positioning West Africa as a hub of agricultural innovation.
Françoise Sayi, Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in Benin, echoed this sentiment with a powerful message: production alone is not enough.
“Production alone is not enough. We must store, we must process, we must market and produce food so that nutritious, safe and affordable food reaches every household, every community member,” she advocated.
She praised the organisers for fostering South-South cooperation, which is essential for deepening knowledge exchange and mobilising the investment needed to build resilient food systems.
What is the role of the youth in this transformation?
Sayi had a direct and inspiring message for the younger generation, who are often seen as the future but are needed right now.
“You have the power to transform the food system in West Africa today. The future of food system in West Africa is not something to wait for, it is something you can build now,” she said.
This is not just a slogan. GAIN's NourishNext West Africa initiative is already being implemented through youth agrifood innovators to strengthen the fruits and vegetables value chain, reduce losses, and improve access to nutritious food.
What is the true measure of success?
For Demordzi, the metrics are clear. He asked agribusinesses and stakeholders to prioritise farmers in their operations, stating that farmers' profitability and their ability to reduce post-harvest losses are the true measures of success. This is a business-minded approach that puts the farmer at the centre of the economic equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the 70,000 farmers be connected to these solutions?
The Feed Ghana Programme works directly with farmers at the cooperative level. The Ministry will collaborate with these cooperatives to connect them with the agri-solution providers and technologies showcased at the West Africa Agri Show.
When is the next West Africa Agri Show?
The third edition of the West Africa Agri Show is scheduled for September 2027. Organisers are confident it will become a major market event for agriculture in the sub-region.
What is the NourishNext West Africa initiative?
This is an initiative by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) implemented through youth agrifood innovators. It aims to strengthen the fruits and vegetables value chain, reduce losses, and improve access to nutritious food in the region.