In a speech celebrating the 40th National Farmers’ Day on Friday, 8th November 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo detailed a legacy of achievements in Ghana’s agricultural sector, which he described as “unprecedented” in their scale and impact. Addressing an audience of farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical steps taken since 2017 to transform Ghana’s agriculture into a dynamic, resilient, and productive sector capable of addressing modern challenges, particularly those posed by climate change.

President Akufo-Addo noted that his administration has prioritized the well-being of farmers and fisherfolk, recognizing them as the backbone of Ghana’s economy. “Your well-being is Ghana’s strength,” he said, adding that the government’s efforts have been guided by a commitment to food security, wealth creation, and job provision. This vision took shape through the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), launched in 2017, with the goal of modernizing and revitalizing agriculture to meet 21st-century demands. “Our objectives were ambitious,” he acknowledged, “to achieve food security, promote import substitution, create wealth, and provide jobs, especially for our youth.”

Under PFJ, the government introduced subsidies for essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers, significantly easing access for farmers nationwide. This initiative included five core modules: Food Crops; Planting for Exports and Rural Development (PERD); Livestock; Mechanisation; and Greenhouse Horticulture. President Akufo-Addo explained that these modules were aimed not only at increasing food production but also at enhancing Ghana’s export value and creating sustainable jobs. In August 2023, PFJ was expanded into PFJ 2.0, representing a shift from traditional subsidies to an agricultural input credit system tied to market arrangements, a move designed to foster resilience and sustainability within the sector.

The President shared data showcasing the success of PFJ. Between 2017 and 2023, agricultural GDP growth rose from 2.7% to an impressive 5.7%. Production of staple crops, including cereals, legumes, and tubers, increased dramatically by over 100%, 68%, and 59% respectively. These growth figures reflect more than economic statistics—they represent greater food availability, job creation, and improved livelihoods for farmers across the country. “The increased output has brought us closer to food self-sufficiency, especially in key crops like maize, cassava, and plantain,” President Akufo-Addo stated. Additionally, non-traditional agricultural exports rose from $371 million in 2016 to $515 million in 2022, underscoring Ghana’s growing influence in global agricultural markets.

International recognition followed these achievements. In the African Union’s 2023 biennial review, Ghana was ranked as the top-performing agricultural nation in West Africa, a leap from seventh place in 2017. President Akufo-Addo attributed this success to the dedication of Ghanaian farmers and the policies that his administration implemented to support them. He declared, “This is an achievement that belongs to you, the Ghanaian farmer.”

Highlighting specific successes, the President noted significant increases in crop yields. Yields for maize rose by 135%, rice by 67%, and soybeans by 18% during PFJ’s first phase. This progress, he explained, is due to government-supported improvements in farming practices, access to quality seeds, and modern agricultural technologies. By 2022, certified seed distribution had increased from just 2,000 metric tons in 2016 to 36,000 metric tons, contributing to an adoption rate increase from 7% to 36% among farmers. Fertilizer access also improved, with application rising from 8kg per hectare in 2016 to 22kg per hectare by 2022, directly boosting productivity.

Mechanization has been another priority area, as the government aims to ensure that every farmer has access to the necessary tools. From 2017 to 2022, over 12,200 units of machinery, including tractors, power tillers, and combine harvesters, were distributed to farmers nationwide. Additionally, Agricultural Mechanisation Service Centres increased from 67 in 2016 to 176 by 2022, bringing essential services closer to farmers and enhancing productivity.

Irrigation infrastructure has also seen substantial investment to address water availability issues. Since 2016, the area under irrigation has expanded by an additional 9,233 hectares, now totaling over 231,000 hectares. This expansion allows farmers to grow crops during dry seasons, reducing their dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Furthermore, the government has tackled the challenge of post-harvest losses by constructing 69 of the planned 80 warehouses, each with a capacity of 1,000 metric tons. New aggregation centers and packhouses are also being built to support vegetable farmers, providing secure storage and helping farmers secure better prices for their produce.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the Youth in Agriculture initiative as a means to engage the next generation. Through this program, the government distributed 100,000 starter packs, each containing essential tools like spraying machines and protective gear, encouraging young people to view farming as a viable and rewarding career. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a skilled, resilient, and future-oriented workforce in agriculture.

Beyond crop production, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his administration’s support for cocoa farmers, crucial to Ghana’s economy. The Strategic Partnership Agreement with Côte d'Ivoire introduced a Living Income Differential (LID) of $400 per ton, aimed at securing fairer prices for cocoa farmers. The government has also set record-high producer prices and launched a pension scheme to provide financial security for retired farmers. In April 2024, Ghana inaugurated the Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative headquarters in Accra, cementing a partnership that represents 65% of global cocoa output and enhances Ghana’s voice in international markets.

In the fisheries sector, the President spoke about the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Programme, launched in July 2024, which aims to increase domestic fish production and create 50,000 jobs for youth and women. The commissioning of modern fishing harbors in Elmina and Jamestown has further boosted the sector, improving fish handling and storage capacities while supporting local economies.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by reiterating his administration’s commitment to agricultural progress and resilience. “We have laid a foundation for a secure, climate-resilient agricultural future—one that will ensure food security, create jobs, and build wealth for generations to come,” he affirmed.