President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning agriculture, particularly horticulture, as a central pillar in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.

Addressing stakeholders at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, President Mahama described the sector as “critical to national development,” and outlined a robust set of policy interventions aimed at supporting farmers, boosting productivity, and reducing the country’s dependence on food imports.

“Agriculture, especially horticulture, is not an afterthought,” the President declared. “It is central to our vision of national economic transformation and reconstruction.”

He paid tribute to the tireless efforts of farmers across the country, from coastal fields to inland farmlands, highlighting the challenges they face in accessing modern facilities, fair markets, and storage infrastructure.

“From Keta to Komenda, from Techiman to Tamale, our farmers—especially women and youth—are working hard with very little support.

Many still cannot access cold storage or stable markets.

A single failed season can wipe out years of effort,” he said.

Calling the situation not just a technical concern but a “moral imperative,” President Mahama questioned how a nation could prosper while neglecting those who feed it.

To address these systemic challenges, the President announced the renewal of his government’s flagship agricultural programme, “Feed Ghana,” which will run from 2025 to 2028.

“Feed Ghana is our bold response to rural unemployment, food insecurity, and import overdependence,” he stated.

Under this initiative, several strategic projects targeting the horticultural sector will be rolled out.

These include:

The Vegetable Development Project (Yeridua – “We are planting”): This initiative aims to scale up greenhouse farming and boost competitive vegetable cultivation.

Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres: These will offer mechanisation, irrigation, climate-smart advisory services, and digital extension support.

Agri-Industrial Zones and Cold Chain Expansion: Designed to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance Ghana’s export capabilities.

Agribusiness Youth Clinics: These hubs will train and equip young people with skills, capital, and mentorship for success in agribusiness.

“These interventions are not mere promises,” the President emphasized.

“They are policy realities designed to make Ghana’s horticulture sector investment-ready, inclusive, and globally competitive.”

Linking the agricultural transformation to his broader economic vision, President Mahama also referenced the 24-hour economy initiative, describing it as a “game-changing strategy” to maximise productivity across all sectors.

“I am pleased to announce that on July 1st, the 24-hour economy policy will officially begin implementation,” he revealed.