Stakeholders in Ghana’s agricultural sector are calling for a comprehensive policy framework to promote sustainable food production across the country.
Their appeal comes amid growing concerns over challenges in the industry, including rising inflation, the high cost of imported produce, and declining crop yields.
Speaking at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra on May 6, stakeholders expressed concerns over the lack of advocacy, leadership, and discipline in sustaining food security efforts. They emphasized that a coordinated strategy is essential to ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
The adoption of advanced farming technologies was highlighted as a key factor in improving productivity and simplifying farming methods.
Stakeholders also stressed the importance of involving youth and women in agriculture, advocating for education and training programs to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Head of Agribusiness & Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Samuel Okan-Boye, underscored the significance of food security and sustainability. He reaffirmed Stanbic Bank’s commitment to financing agricultural businesses for national benefit.
“We have provided specific financing to agribusinesses for acquiring modern equipment, adopting solar and green energy solutions, and implementing greenhouse and irrigation schemes. However, greater impact can be achieved through a more collaborative approach involving financial institutions,” he said.
Head of Enterprise Risk at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Francis Atsu, advocated for modern farming techniques as the most effective means of cultivating large portions of land.
He raised concerns about the excessive use of chemicals and insecticides, warning that they could harm the environment and reduce crop yields.
“Ghana is at a crossroads. Extreme weather conditions, soil degradation caused by illegal mining, and global geopolitical shifts necessitate a transition to sustainable farming. Traditional methods will not suffice. Any policy must consider the interconnectedness of farming systems, including energy use, land management, and water conservation,” Prof. Atsu explained.
Member of Parliament for Pru-East, Emmanuel Kweku Boam, also voiced concerns over rising food inflation in Ghana. He called for a review of conventional farming practices to tackle the underlying causes of high food prices.
“Food inflation is alarmingly high, and we must take proactive steps to address it. Tackling this issue requires a fundamental shift in how we produce food, beginning at the grassroots level,” he said.
The stakeholders’ collective call for a policy framework to promote sustainable agricultural practices highlights the urgent need for a unified effort to overcome the sector’s challenges. By working together, Ghana can ensure a more sustainable and food-secure future for generations to come.
