President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Ghana’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector through strategic international partnerships, stating that the country will leverage Belarus’ expertise and technological advancements to modernize agriculture and enhance food security.
The President made the remarks during a visit to one of Belarus’ largest agro-processing facilities in the industrial city of Brest as part of his ongoing state visit to Belarus.
President Mahama was received by the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich Parkhomchik, and senior officials from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry before touring the facility, which is renowned for its advanced dairy production technology.
The plant produces a range of dairy products, including baby food, milk, cheese, and milk powder for both local consumption and export to international markets.
Accompanied by his Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and Ghana’s Ambassador to Moscow, Dr Jehu-Appiah, the President observed the various stages of the company’s high-tech production processes.
Speaking after the tour, President Mahama said Ghana was keen to draw lessons from Belarus’ success in agro-industrial development as it pursues a transition from smallholder farming to large-scale commercial agriculture.
“We are here to tap into Belarus’ vast experience as we work to make Ghana self-dependent in food production,” President Mahama stated.
He noted that Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda places significant emphasis on modern processing technologies, value addition, and reducing post-harvest losses, which continue to affect productivity and farmer incomes across the country.
According to the President, one of the key objectives of the visit is to identify practical technological solutions and partnerships that can help Ghana strengthen its food production systems and improve efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
Managing Director of the company, Aleksandr Savchits, disclosed that the firm recorded profits exceeding $1.4 billion last year.
He also revealed that the company has recently commenced exports of dairy products to Ghana and is looking to expand its presence in the Ghanaian market as bilateral trade relations continue to grow.
President Mahama extended an invitation to Belarusian investors and agribusinesses to collaborate with Ghanaian companies and business associations, emphasizing that stronger cooperation would create mutual economic benefits for both countries.
Belarus is widely recognized as a global leader in the export of dairy products, including milk powder, butter, and cheese.
Ghana’s engagement with the Eastern European nation is expected to deepen cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, technology transfer, and investment as the government pursues its goal of achieving greater food security and agricultural modernization.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
