Mahama’s Agricultural Initiatives Aim to Strengthen Ghana’s Food Security

Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has commended President John Mahama’s early efforts to revitalize Ghana’s agricultural sector, citing the recently launched Feed Ghana Program and Poultry Revitalization Initiative as foundational steps toward long-term food security.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on April 20, 2025, Gbande emphasized that these policies reflect the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through mechanization, training, and market access.

“A solid foundation is being laid to feed this country through poultry and other agricultural incentives,” Gbande stated, referencing the establishment of district-level Farmers’ Service Centers. These hubs, he noted, will offer technical support, training, and critical resources to enhance productivity. Budget allocations and equipment imports are expected to follow, aligning with Mahama’s pledge to modernize the sector.

The Feed Ghana Program, unveiled on April 12, seeks to address food inflation, bolster economic growth, and reduce reliance on imports by prioritizing domestic production. Key components include the rollout of mechanized tools, expanded access to agronomic education, and infrastructure to streamline crop distribution.

A central pillar of the initiative is the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry project, which aims to produce 4 million birds annually through partnerships with 50 commercial farmers. Officials estimate this will yield 10,000 metric tons of chicken, positioning Ghana to compete in regional markets while stabilizing local food prices.

During the program’s launch, Mahama framed agriculture as a catalyst for broader development. “This is a comprehensive attempt to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and strengthen food security,” he said, underscoring the link between farm output and industrial growth. Critics, however, have questioned the timeline for implementation, given past challenges in sustaining similar policies.

Ghana’s agricultural sector, which employs nearly half the population, has long struggled with underinvestment and climate-related disruptions. The success of Mahama’s initiatives may hinge on consistent funding and transparent governance factors that have derailed earlier reforms. Regional analysts highlight that while mechanization and poultry expansion could curb import dependency, achieving scalability will require collaboration with rural communities often marginalized in policy planning.

The government has yet to disclose detailed expenditure figures for the programs, though officials insist allocations will be finalized during the upcoming budget cycle. For now, the focus remains on translating pledges into tangible gains for farmers, whose output will determine whether Ghana’s agricultural ambitions can withstand the pressures of a shifting economic landscape.