The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is calling for a change in Ghana’s land tenure system to boost commercial agriculture.
According to the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, commercial farming has been hindered by resistance from subsistence farmers who are reluctant to make their lands available for large-scale agriculture.Ou
He suggests that if commercial farm owners involve subsistence farmers in their projects through mutually beneficial agreements, they may be more willing to offer their lands for large-scale production.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday, June 13, 2025, the Asantehene emphasised the need for Ghana to prioritise agriculture as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
“There are people who want to do large-scale farming, but the presence of subsistence farmers on the land becomes a problem. We should find a way to include subsistence farmers in our large-scale plans,” he stated.
Otumfuo continued that: “For instance, a tomato farmer who cultivates just an acre of vegetables could be provided with seedlings within the commercial space, and then we can buy their produce at the end of the harvest.”
The Asantehene further urged traditional authorities to lease their lands to investors for farming, with proceeds shared among stakeholders, as was practiced by their forefathers.
“The chiefs should also provide lands on an equity basis, so we all can share the proceeds at the end of the harvest. Our chiefs used to do so even in the olden days when civilization was non-existent,” he advised.
Asantehene urges increased focus on Agriculture for Ghana’s economic growth
