Hon. Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, along with the acting Chief Director and his Technical Adviser, met with H.E. Simone Giger, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, alongside Ms. Magdalena Wust, the Acting Head of Cooperation, and Charlotte Afudego, Private Sector and Trade Specialist.
This meeting was part of Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations with Ghana, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The discussions aimed to reinforce diplomatic connections between Switzerland and Ghana, focusing on agricultural development. Participants identified key areas for collaboration, such as technology transfer, sustainable farming practices, and food security. Additionally, they reviewed existing Swiss-supported projects in Ghana and explored future initiatives to boost agricultural productivity.
Both the Ambassador and Hon. Eric Opoku underscored the significance of strong diplomatic relations between the two countries in the agricultural domain. They recognized agriculture as vital for economic development and agreed that agricultural progress presents a shared opportunity for mutual benefit.
Ambassador Giger highlighted Switzerland’s expertise in agricultural technology and innovative farming techniques, detailing several projects in Ghana, including investments in cocoa, cashew, mango, pineapple cultivation, and rural development initiatives.
The Minister reiterated the Ghanaian government’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a driver for economic transformation, emphasizing job creation and increasing farmers’ incomes. He noted that with the right investments, agriculture could significantly improve the lives of Ghanaians through the “Feed Ghana Programme.”
He advocated for improved Agricultural infrastructure to enhance production capabilities, citing the need for better support for cocoa producers and the importance of motivating them to increase output. He also addressed the challenges faced by extension officers, suggesting the recruitment of more personnel to better assist farmers. The Minister proposed potential technical assistance programs to boost Ghana’s agricultural productivity through training and technology transfers.
Food security emerged as a crucial topic, with Hon. Opoku outlining government initiatives aimed at improving it and expressing a desire for Swiss support in expanding these efforts, including potential funding and resource allocation. He also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on agriculture, calling for increased irrigation facilities and sustainable practices to mitigate its adverse effects.
Source : Ministry of Food and Agriculture
