The African Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS), a public policy-oriented think tank based in Accra, has commended the government of Ghana for unveiling what it describes as a systematic and transformative master plan for Ghana’s agricultural sector.

The Institute, which specialises in agricultural policies and strategies, believes the interventions outlined by President John Dramani Mahama and being implemented by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, could place Ghana at the forefront of agricultural development in West Africa within the next four years.

AISS, which monitored the government’s launch of the Feed Ghana Programme at Techiman in the Bono East Region on April 12, 2025, noted that the President’s commitment to “promotion of SMART Agriculture” and “institutional farming” marks a new era in the country’s approach to food security.

Farmers’ Service Centres

Launching the programme, President Mahama announced that government will establish Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs) nationwide. These centres, he explained, will provide mechanisation services, quality inputs, finance, markets, processing, training, and technical support.

“We will establish Farmers’ Service Centres nationwide to provide mechanisation services, quality inputs, finance, markets, primary processing, training, and technical support,” the President said. “To support young entrepreneurs, we will also develop Farm Banks or land banks in designated agricultural zones with irrigation potential to support production, particularly young agripreneurs.”

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AISS observed that unlike past administrations where pronouncements remained mere rhetoric, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has already identified strategic locations for the FSCs, categorising them into mechanisation, processing, or input centres depending on local needs.

Hon. Eric Opoku confirmed this vision, noting that “a Farmer Service Centre will be established in every farming district across the country, with each district having either an Input Centre, Processing Centre, or both.” He expressed a strong desire to uplift the entire food and agriculture value chain with the ultimate goal of “achieving affordable and sustainable food security for all.”

The first FSC for Meat and Poultry is expected to be set up at Bechem in the Ahafo Region, while another for Grains, Cereals, and Nuts will be located in the Upper East and Ashanti Regions.

Fruits, Vegetables, Roots & Tubers

Beyond livestock, the Ministry has announced a dedicated Fruits and Vegetables Processing Centre to purchase farm produce at the farm gate and process them into concentrates and canned products. The facility will stabilise prices during drought and off-season periods while serving as a business incubator for agripreneurs.

For roots and tubers, another FSC is to be equipped with modern research and processing technology to produce cassava flour, yam chips, and other starch-based products. The facility will also include advanced storage infrastructure to preserve produce for long periods. “Even though roots and tubers are the primary focus, plantain processing will also be part of the centre’s activities,” the Minister explained.

Grains, Cereals & Nuts

The Grains, Cereals, and Nuts Centre will be backed by fourteen 10,000-metric-ton silos and modern processing technology. It will also double as an Input and Support Centre, providing fertilisers, tractors, seeds, and ploughing services to farmers. The facility will conduct research into new processing methods and value addition for both local and export markets.

Institutional Farming & Horticulture

Another highlight of the Feed Ghana Programme is the push for “institutional farming.” The President encouraged schools, companies, and families to adopt both crop and livestock farming. Government has pledged to support schools with land, farm inputs, and even day-old chicks to cultivate a new generation of poultry and livestock farmers.

The Ministry also plans to prioritise horticulture, drawing inspiration from Kenya where the sector contributes significantly to GDP. “Our objective is not only to make horticultural products available on the local market, but also to develop an export market to generate foreign exchange,” Minister Opoku stated.

Dairy Processing at Amrahia

When asked about dairy development, Hon. Eric Opoku disclosed plans to establish an ultra-modern, integrated dairy processing plant at Amrahia, where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah first built Ghana’s milk farm. The facility will produce cheese, butter, fresh milk, evaporated milk, and powdered milk.

“The dairy industry must be given a boost immediately to reduce our dependence on imports,” the Minister emphasised, adding that the plant will also generate significant job opportunities.

AISS Monitoring

While lauding the scope of these interventions, AISS noted that Ghana’s history is filled with ambitious agricultural programmes that never saw full implementation. The Institute has therefore pledged to monitor the Ministry’s progress over the next 12 months and issue a report on achievements and gaps.

“The thought that we, as Africans, are capable of managing our own affairs immediately brings hope to our inner souls,” AISS remarked, expressing cautious optimism.