The Government has reiterated its commitment to forging strong and strategic partnerships with the private sector to enhance investment in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Mr Harry Bleppon, Deputy Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, urged Ghanaian companies to form alliances with international counterparts to accelerate the transformation of the country’s food and agriculture landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Food and Agriculture at the opening of the 4th edition of the Agritec West Africa Exhibition, held on Friday in Accra, he commended the organisers and participants for their efforts in sustaining the event.
This year’s event themed “Innovation, Sustainability, and Growth in Agriculture,”provided a unique platform for industry professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and thought leaders to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and discuss key challenges facing agriculture in West Africa.
Mr Bleppon described the exhibition as timely, noting that it came at a moment when government was demonstrating its commitment to unlocking the full potential of agriculture as a driver of Ghana’s economic transformation through flagship programmes.
He said the Ministry was spearheading the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) through its Feed Ghana Programme, which sought to ensure national food security, promote value addition, increase raw material supply for agro-processing industries, and expand agricultural exports.
“The Government will continue to work closely with the private sector to achieve these goals. This requires a combination of public, private, and joint investments,” he said.
Mr Bleppon highlighted two key sub-programmes under Feed Ghana: the establishment of Farmer Service Centres and Agro-Production Enclaves.
The Farmer Service Centres, he explained, would serve as one-stop hubs providing farmers with mechanisation services, improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, extension services, and access to markets.
The Agro-Production Enclaves, on the other hand, would be large tracts of land developed into commercial hubs, equipped with irrigation systems, roads, warehouses, and processing facilities to attract investment and consolidate production.
“Implementing just these two sub-programmes has the potential to attract significant investment along the agricultural value chain. I, therefore, encourage all companies gathered here to seize the opportunities Ghana’s agriculture sector presents,” he added.
Mr Manish Gupta, High Commissioner of India to Ghana, commended the government’s initiatives, noting similarities between India and Ghana’s agricultural sectors.
He observed that agriculture contributed about 20 per cent of GDP in both countries, with a significant portion of the population depending directly or indirectly on farming.
He praised Ghana’s youth for their innovativeness in agriculture and stressed the need for access to affordable inputs and reduced production costs to support their efforts.
The Commissioner pledged India’s support to Ghana’s agricultural sector and expressed interest in facilitating mutual exchange of ideas to boost productivity in both countries.
Mr Kadiri Rashad, Executive Director of CropLife Ghana, in his welcome address, described Agritec West Africa as one of the largest and most influential agricultural events in the region.
He noted that this year’s theme reflected the shared commitment to applying technology, fostering sustainability, and driving growth in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Mr Rashad said the exhibition had provided a unique platform for policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to share ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss pressing challenges such as climate change and food security.
He expressed appreciation to sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for their contributions, stressing that partnerships remain key to achieving lasting progress in agriculture.
“To all attendees, your participation underscores the growing importance of this event as a crucial meeting point for stakeholders in the agricultural value chain,” he said, urging participants to maximise networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
“Let us work together to shape the future of agriculture, not only for today but for generations to come,” he said.
Source: Access Agric
