Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has stressed the need for stronger research-industry partnerships to accelerate the transformation of Ghana’s agri-food systems.

The sector minister notes the gap between academia and industry has over the years impeded sustainable growth of agriculture.

Speaking at the 8th Annual Conference of the Ghana Association of Agricultural Economists (GAAE) at KNUST, Mr. Opoku emphasized that the promotion of sustainable agribusiness growth requires collective effort and innovation across sectors.

“Transforming agri-food systems requires partnerships. It is not the job of government alone. We need strong collaboration between the public sector, private investors, research institutions, and development partners,” he asserted.

Mr. Opoku reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a policy environment that supports innovation, fair trade, and responsible investment, noting that sustainable agribusiness is key to food security and economic inclusion.

The annual conference assembles players and businesses in the agriculture sector to deliberate on ways to improve the industry and transformation Ghana’s food system.

The event was on the theme: “Transforming agri-food systems in developing economies through sustainable agribusiness development”.

Responding to the minister’s call, Chief Executive Officer of the African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), Dr. (Mrs.) Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between research and practice to achieve long-term transformation in Africa’s agriculture.

“The issue, therefore, is not that we lack ideas or that we do not understand what to do. The issue is that our structures do not sustain action long enough to produce meaningful change,” she said.

She explained that sustainable agribusiness requires close collaboration between researchers, investors, and policymakers within stable policy and financing systems.

The African Agribusiness Consortium was established to demonstrate how research, policy, and enterprise can work together for lasting results.

GAAE President, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu, reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to partnering with both public and private institutions to drive sustainable development.

“We are working assiduously with the partners and other institutions to ensure that they sustain productivity, logistics distribution and marketing in the agricultural sector to ensure sustainable development,” he said.

Member of the Policy Dialogue Committee of GAAE, Henry Anim Somuah, outlined five key policy areas driving transformation coordinated agricultural research, differentiated credit programs, organized farmer structures, targeted extension programs, and structured market arrangements to guarantee market access for farmers.

He explained that these policies are supported by five main enablers that ensure the smooth functioning of the agricultural system.

“Agriculture happens to be one of the few essential services mainly delivered by the private sector, unlike health or education where the public sector provides the infrastructure. That is why strong public–private partnerships, efficient financing systems, and coordinated research are critical to transforming the sector and improving farmer livelihoods,” he said.

The agriculture experts reinforced a shared that transforming Ghana’s agri-food systems depends on effective partnerships, innovation, and long-term investment in sustainable agribusiness.