President John Mahama has announced that the Ministry of Finance has approved the acquisition of more than 600 pieces of agricultural machinery under the Big Push infrastructure initiative to boost agribusiness and support mechanised farming.

Speaking at the launch of the National Agribusiness Dialogue at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on Monday, July 28, President Mahama said the equipment will be used to establish 11 out of 50 planned farmers’ service centers in key farming zones across the country.

“These tractors and equipment will not be sold to farmers as we did in the past,” he said.

“They will be stationed at strategic farmers’ service centers to provide mechanisation support. Farmers would register with their local center and request services when needed.”

The president explained that the approach focuses on access rather than ownership, noting that farmers do not need to own tractors or harvesters but rather require timely and reliable services.

“What farmers need is not to own tractors and combine harvesters. What they need is the service of tractors and combine harvesters,” President Mahama added.

“Let specialised private sector agencies who know how to maintain these machines manage them and provide the service.”

The intervention is part of a broader government effort to modernise agriculture and support the 24-hour economy strategy, which aims to ensure year-round production through irrigation, industrial support, and export-led growth.