Minister Eric Opoku and Agri-Impact Lead National Push for Agricultural Modernization and Food Security

A comprehensive push to modernize Ghana’s agricultural sector is underway, led by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s introduction of drone technology under the Feed Ghana Programme. Minister Eric Opoku recently announced the distribution of five agricultural drones and 40,000 bags of inorganic fertilizer to the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana. This initiative marks a significant transition from traditional farming to precision agriculture, where drones will be utilized for field monitoring, early pest and disease detection, and data-driven decision-making. By adopting these smart farming practices, the government aims to boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and promote environmental sustainability across the country’s agricultural value chain. In parallel with technological advancements, Ghana is strengthening international ties to foster innovation. Agri-Impact Limited, led by CEO Dr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, recently held high-level discussions with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad. This meeting followed the Ghana-Israel Agribusiness Innovation Forum held in May 2026 and focused on deepening cooperation in greenhouse farming, aquaculture, and irrigation. The partnership aims to integrate advanced Israeli agricultural technologies to address productivity challenges and attract new investments, ensuring that local agribusinesses remain competitive and resilient in the face of global market shifts. To further enhance market access, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has launched a National Organic Certification Scheme in collaboration with GIZ. This program is designed to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive foreign certification services and empower local farmers to access premium organic markets. GSA Director-General Prof. George Agyei emphasized that the certification will adhere to international standards, correcting market inequalities and positioning Ghana as a leader in organic exports within West Africa. Supporting infrastructure and stakeholder engagement are being prioritized to ensure the scheme provides a tangible boost to agribusiness exports. On the domestic front, traders at the Tema Central Market are calling for targeted farmer training to stabilize food prices and ensure food security. Currently, supply disruptions from Burkina Faso have caused tomato prices to surge, with small quantities selling for as much as GH¢20. Traders, including Madam Ayeele Adjei, have urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide technical support in seed selection, pest control, and post-harvest handling. They argue that year-round production of climate-appropriate varieties is essential to ending the reliance on imports and minimizing post-harvest losses that currently plague the sector. Together, these initiatives represent a holistic strategy to transform Ghana into an agricultural powerhouse. The focus on precision farming and standardized quality is expected to create jobs, stabilize local markets, and improve the overall agricultural value chain. As these programs move from distribution to implementation, the next phase will involve monitoring their impact on food security and the economic well-being of Ghanaian farmers and consumers alike.