The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced a major policy shift that will see Ghana rely exclusively on locally produced seeds for its agricultural programmes starting in 2026.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, November 24, the minister said the decision follows years of disruption caused by delays in the arrival of imported seeds, which often reached farmers long after the planting season had passed.

“To tackle this, the government has prioritised local seed production as a strategic imperative for food security... From 2026, MoFA will only supply locally sourced seeds to the Ghanaian farmers,” he announced.

The minister said the change is expected to boost the local seed industry, improve seed availability, and ensure timely delivery to farmers—all of which are critical for improved yields and national food security.

Mr. Opoku stressed that achieving seed sovereignty is essential for the country’s long-term agricultural stability. “Without seed sovereignty, there can be no food security,” he noted.

He highlighted the capacity and potential of Ghana’s agricultural research institutions, saying they possess the expertise required for seed research, development and testing. The ministry, he added, is fully prepared to work with them to strengthen domestic seed production systems.