President John Dramani Mahama has called on farmers to intensify efforts toward strengthening local food production, stressing that Ghana’s quest for food security depends largely on the dedication and productivity of its farming community.
He made the remarks at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, where the President, also emphasised that reducing the nation’s heavy reliance on imported food is not only necessary but achievable through coordinated action, modern farming practices, and strong support for domestic agriculture.
President Mahama noted that Ghana spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports—an expenditure he described as unsustainable for a country capable of producing most of its essential commodities.
“Our farmers and fishers keep this nation nourished and stable,” he said. “A country that feeds itself is stronger, healthier, and more resilient. We must therefore take bold steps to grow what we eat and eat what we grow.”
Sharp Decline in Food Inflation
The president highlighted significant progress under the government’s Feed Ghana programme, citing improvements in irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, storage facilities, agro-processing, and access to credit. These interventions, he said, have contributed to a dramatic fall in food inflation—from 28.3% in January 2025 to 9.5% in October 2025.
He attributed the gains to targeted initiatives such as expanded irrigation, fertiliser and seed support, and measures that stabilised food supply across the country.
Expanding Irrigation, Processing and Farmer Support
President Mahama outlined a range of ongoing projects, including vegetable production schemes, solar-powered boreholes for smallholder farmers, improved mechanisation services, and strengthened buffer stock systems aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.
He added that government support will increasingly be delivered through organised farmer cooperatives, encouraging producers to unite to benefit fully from national agricultural programmes.
“Eat Ghana” to Achieve Food Sovereignty
The president reaffirmed his call for Ghanaians to prioritise local foods such as rice, poultry, vegetable oils, yams, fruits, and cooking oil. He said renewed efforts are underway to revive the domestic poultry industry, establish modern processing plants, and deepen partnerships between government and private agribusinesses.
“To feed Ghana, we must choose Ghana,” he stressed. “We cannot continue importing what our farmers can produce. Supporting locally grown food is essential for long-term food security and agricultural profitability.”
