By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, Nov. 11, GNA – The Government must shift its agricultural development strategy from subsistence production towards agro-industrial growth by increasing investment in irrigation, mechanisation, processing and market access, the AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC) has said.
Mr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, Leader of the ACUC, made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) while assessing outcomes of the 2026 Budget and outlining expectations for the 2027 Budget.
He said agriculture remained central to Ghana’s economic transformation and food security, but farmers continued to face challenges that limited productivity and commercial viability.
Mr Aziginaateeg identified high input costs, inadequate irrigation facilities, limited access to affordable credit, poor storage infrastructure, post-harvest losses and weak market linkages as major constraints confronting the sector.
He also cited inadequate mechanisation and unreliable agricultural extension services as challenges requiring urgent attention.
According to him, the 2026 Budget made several commitments to the agricultural sector, including GH¢2.2 billion for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, GH¢245 million for livestock programmes, GH¢200 million for the National Food Buffer Stock Company and GH¢828 million for agricultural enclave roads.
Other allocations, he noted, included GH¢690 million for Farmer Service Centres and a GH¢6.9 billion financing window for oil palm development.
Mr Aziginaateeg, however, said the critical issue was whether the investments were reaching farmers and rural communities and translating into increased agricultural productivity.
He stressed the need to prioritise irrigation development and year-round farming, affordable agricultural credit, mechanisation services, access to fertilisers and improved seed varieties.
Mr Aziginaateeg also advocated stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions and farmers, alongside expanded investment in poultry, livestock, fisheries and oil palm production.
He said local food storage and processing facilities, as well as guaranteed market opportunities, were necessary to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.
According to him, Ghana should pursue import substitution in areas where domestic production could be competitive, commercially sustainable and economically rewarding.
He further recommended the development of agro-processing factories, packaging industries, warehouses and rural industrial parks to support value addition and employment creation.
Mr Aziginaateeg emphasised that agriculture must evolve into a commercially viable, technology-driven national enterprise capable of improving rural livelihoods and strengthening Ghana’s economic independence.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Email: [email protected]