The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for the promotion of a strong and resilient Agribusiness sector in the country.

The Minister made the appeal in her welcome remarks at the opening of the maiden National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra.

The Dialogue, which was opened by President John Dramani Mahama, was on the theme “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth”.

It aims to develop a homegrown policy— crafted by those who are living the reality and understand the challenges—rather than importing solutions that may not work in Ghana’s context.

“Let us seize this opportunity to reset the agenda for agribusiness in Ghana boldly, inclusively, and sustainably,” the Minister said, adding, “together, we can unlock the full potential of this sector and chart a new course for industrial growth that leaves no one behind.

“This is our moment to reset, reimagine, and realise a stronger future for Ghana’s agribusiness.”

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Ministry’s expanded mandate to include Agribusiness represents a pivotal shift in how they approach the development of this vital sector.

This, she noted, calls for a clear and comprehensive national Agribusiness policy, one that was inclusive, forward-looking, and aligned with our industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.

She said the purpose of the Forum was not only to launch an event, but to begin a national conversation; adding that a conversation that brings together all stakeholders particularly farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, development partners, private sector actors and policymakers to co-create a policy framework that addresses the real needs, challenges, and opportunities within the nation’s Agribusiness ecosystem.

She said the theme for the Dialogue, “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,” was both timely and intentional.

Adding that it reflects the government’s goal to drive growth that was inclusive and empowering everyone in the agribusiness value chain—including women, smallholders, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) — while promoting sustainability through environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.

“We are here today because we recognise that Ghana’s agribusiness sector must move beyond its traditional confines,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.

“We must embrace innovation, invest in value addition, scale up agritech solutions, strengthen market systems and expand access to finance.”

She said a strong and coherent policy would serve as the foundation for this transformation, providing clarity, stability and direction for investment, partnerships, and planning.

The Minister reiterated that in line with this ambition, the government’s 24-Hour Plus Economy Policy offers an exciting and complementary strategic opportunity to amplify the transformation they seek within the agribusiness sector.

She said by creating the conditions for round-the-clock productivity—particularly in agro-processing, logistics, storage, and market access—they could unlock new layers of efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and drive continuous value addition.

She said industries would not only expand employment opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain but also ensure that their farmers, agripreneurs, and SMEs were fully integrated into a modern, resilient, and globally competitive economy.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare noted that it was yet another demonstration of President John Dramani Mahama’s resolve to industrialise with purpose, inclusivity, and sustainability at the core.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said it was only through inclusive dialogue, shared ownership and sustained collaboration that they could unlock the full potential of agribusiness in Ghana.

She said the Ministry stands ready to facilitate this process and ensure that the policy they develop is not only consultative in design, but transformational in outcome.

Mr Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Agri Impact Limited, and guest speaker at the event, in his presentation delivered a compelling assessment of Ghana’s agribusiness sector, emphasising its untapped potential and the urgent need for strategic scale-up.

He called for a bold shift from pilot projects and small-scale interventions to large-scale agribusiness investments that can drive real transformation.

Citing South Africa’s agro-processing sector, which contributes significantly more to GDP than its primary agriculture, he urged Ghana to rethink its strategy.