Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama has announced the development of a National Agribusiness Policy to provide strategic direction for investment and coordination across the agribusiness ecosystem.
The Policy, he said, would focus on value addition, competitiveness, processing standards, and resilience across supply chains.
President Mahama made the announcement in his keynote address at the opening of the maiden National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra.
The Dialogue is on the theme “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth.”
The Dialogue aims to develop a homegrown policy— crafted by those who are living the reality and understand the challenges—rather than importing solutions that may not work in Ghana’s context.
President Mahama commended the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry for organising the Dialogue and championing a bold policy realignment to place agribusiness at the heart of Ghana’s industrial and trade agenda.
He noted that the realignment was a deliberate and strategic decision aimed at transitioning Ghana from an agrarian economy to a competitive, export-led industrial hub.
President Mahama said agribusiness was the cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation.
He called for urgent and united action to reposition the sector as a vehicle for industrial growth, job creation, and export diversification.
The President reiterated that the Dialogue was a vital turning point in Ghana’s economic journey and a declaration of intent for enduring progress.
“Today’s dialogue is not just another meeting. It is a call to action. We must move from talking to implementation,” President Mahama said, and added: “The time has come to unlock the full potential of agribusiness as the new driver of Ghana’s inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.”
Touching on Infrastructure and food corridors, the President reiterated the critical need to develop infrastructure and food production corridors, particularly in the northeastern part of the country, to ensure seamless transportation of agricultural products.
He said the global agribusiness market was projected to witness significant growth in the coming years, offering a golden opportunity for countries like Ghana.
He said Ghana with vast arable land, abundant water resources, and a youthful population was well-positioned to become a key player in global food systems.
President Mahama underscored the need for value addition, integration into global value chains, and development of robust local supply systems as necessary steps to seize this opportunity.
The President outlined a suite of ambitious initiatives to support agribusiness development, such as: Keep the Industries Initiative, Rapid Industrialization Initiative, and the Accelerated Export Development Programme all designed to drive the 24-hour economy agenda.
These programmes, the President said, hinged on the year-round availability of raw materials, which calls for a shift from single-season farming to all-year-round agriculture supported by expanded irrigation and mechanization.
President Mahama rollout the Feed Industry Programme anchored on four strategic pillars: Commercial Farmer Development, Post-harvest Loss Solution Centers, Industrial and Market Development, and Institutional Capacity Building.
The President expressed confidence that these pillars would help increase Ghana’s industrial capacity utilization from the current 30-40 per cent to 70-80 per cent.
He said in support of this, the Government was compiling a comprehensive list of agro-processed products manufactured in Ghana to guide procurement and promote local content in agro-industrial consumption.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, lauded President Mahama for his steadfast leadership and vision for agribusiness.
“Today, your presence reinforces our collective belief that agribusiness holds vast potential for national development, job creation, industrialisation and food security. We are encouraged by your vision and your resolve to position Ghana as a leader in agribusiness within the region and beyond,” she said.
The Minister said the Ministry’s expanded mandate to include agribusiness represents a pivotal shift in how they approach the development of this vital sector.
This, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said, calls for a clear and comprehensive national agribusiness policy, one that is inclusive, forward looking, and aligned with our industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
The Minister said the theme for the Dialogue, “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,” was both timely and intentional.
She said it reflects the Government’s goal to drive growth that was inclusive and empowering everyone in the agribusiness value chain—including women, smallholders, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) — while promoting sustainability through environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the need for Ghana’s agribusiness sector must move beyond its traditional confines.
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