The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) says it is implementing one of the most ambitious agricultural transformation strategies in Ghana’s recent history, anchored on mechanisation, strengthened extension services, and farmer cooperatives.
These interventions form a critical part of the broader Feed Ghana Programme, aimed at modernising agriculture and ensuring sustainable food production.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, said mechanisation remains central to achieving higher productivity and reducing the drudgery associated with farming.
“Modern agriculture cannot thrive without modern tools. Mechanisation is at the heart of our transformation agenda,” he noted.
Farmers’ Service Centres to Drive Modern Agriculture
Under the programme, MoFA is establishing Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs) across the country to deliver mechanisation and other essential services to farmers. According to the Minister, procurement processes are set to begin for:
Over 660 tractors
400 combine harvesters
More than 4,000 pieces of agricultural machinery and implements
These will equip the first 50 FSCs, which will offer land preparation, input supply, harvesting assistance, storage services, extension support, market linkages, and equipment leasing at affordable rates—particularly for smallholder farmers.
“The Farmers’ Service Centres will remove long-standing barriers to mechanisation access. They will ensure farmers receive affordable, reliable, and timely services to increase productivity,” Hon. Opoku explained.
Strengthening Agricultural Extension Delivery
The Minister also highlighted reforms aimed at strengthening the frontline of knowledge transfer. He described Agricultural Extension Officers as essential to bridging the gap between research and practical farming techniques.
However, he expressed concern about the country’s extension agent-to-farmer ratio, which stands at 1:1,500, far below the international standard of 1:500.
“This gap affects knowledge transfer and slows the adoption of modern farming practices,” he said.
To address this, MoFA is taking several steps:
Procurement of 540 motorbikes to support extension mobility
150 motorbikes were distributed on 22nd July 2025
Recruitment of 400 Agricultural Extension Agents, serving as Feed Ghana Coordinators in all districts
Enrollment of 10,000 youth under National Service for a four-year agriculture-focused programme
Portions of these youth will be retained as permanent staff annually to address backlog postings for graduates from agricultural and veterinary colleges dating back to 2015
The Minister disclosed that preparations are underway for the launch of the Ghana Food Brigade, expected before the end of December 2025.
“We are investing in the people who deliver the knowledge and support farmers need. Modern, climate-smart, and data-driven agriculture depends on strong extension systems,” he added.
Cooperatives as Engines of Rural Economic Transformation
MoFA is also formalising and empowering farmer cooperatives to serve as social and economic infrastructure for agricultural transformation.
As of 11th October 2025, 70,000 Community Commodity-Focused Cooperatives have been established nationwide. These cooperatives are integrated into every major intervention—from mechanisation to weather advisory systems.
“When farmers organise, they gain strength.
Cooperatives give them a collective voice, help them negotiate better prices, and allow them to benefit from economies of scale,” Hon. Opoku stated.
He said the cooperative model ensures inclusivity and enhances farmers’ access to training, financing, mechanisation, inputs, and climate adaptation tools.
Value Addition
The Minister noted that value addition will play a central role in boosting incomes and reducing post-harvest losses, adding that more details on value chains will be announced in subsequent briefings.
“As we strengthen production, we are simultaneously building the systems that add value, create jobs, and keep wealth within farming communities,” he said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
