In a move to revitalize Ghana’s agricultural sector, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the ambitious Feed Ghana Programme on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Techiman.
Framing the initiative as a strategic pillar in his Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), Mahama called on the nation to unite behind a new vision for farming that is research-driven, climate-resilient, and inclusive.
“This is not just another policy,” John Mahama declared before a packed audience of traditional leaders, farmers, development partners, and party supporters.
“The Feed Ghana Programme is a call to action. The task ahead is monumental, but it is achievable.”
Mahama’s return to agricultural reform comes amid a renewed national conversation about food security, youth unemployment, and climate change.
During his address, he outlined the four major interventions that form the backbone of the initiative.
Smart Agriculture and Land Banks
The first pillar of the programme is the promotion of smart agriculture.
President Mahama announced the establishment of Farmer Service Centers across the country to offer mechanization services, access to quality inputs, agricultural financing, market linkage, primary processing, and farmer training.
“We are building a new infrastructure to support the modern farmer,” he said. “From land preparation to access to markets, these service centers will be the engine rooms of our rural economies.”
He added that “farm banks,” or designated irrigable land banks, will be created to help young agricultural entrepreneurs start and expand farming businesses.
“This will not only increase national food production but will also provide an avenue for youth engagement and employment,” Mahama stated.
Boosting Grains
Under the second intervention, John Mahama introduced the Grains and Legumes Development Project, which aims to scale up the cultivation of maize, rice, soybean, and sorghum for local consumption, export, and agro-processing.
“Sorghum will receive special attention because of its value in the brewing industry,” he said.
“We are also focusing on strengthening the feed industry, which is key to poultry and livestock production.”
Vegetable Development Project – ‘Yiridya’
A third component of the programme, dubbed ‘Yiridya’, is aimed at reducing vegetable imports through modern and climate-smart approaches such as greenhouse technology, and urban and peri-urban agriculture.
“We will promote controlled environment farming and encourage schools and households to grow their own food,” Mahama said.
Drawing inspiration from the Operation Feed Yourself campaign of the 1970s, he added: “Backyard gardens once sustained our families. It’s time to bring them back.”
He encouraged communities to establish vegetable gardens that will produce tomatoes, onions, garden eggs, okra, and peppers. “We will encourage community gardens to enhance nutrition and household incomes,” Mahama emphasized.
Institutional Farming for Food Security
The final element of the Feed Ghana Programme focuses on institutional farming, particularly within Senior High Schools (SHSs).
According to Mahama, institutions with available land will be supported to engage in both crop and livestock farming.
“Goats, sheep, cattle—we want our schools to raise them to support the School Feeding Programme,” he explained.
“This will reduce the cost of meals and introduce students to the potential of agriculture as a profitable career.”
A Call for Unity
President Mahama concluded his address with a rousing call to action, urging all stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to financial institutions and international donors—to rally behind the programme.
“With unity of purpose and shared commitment, we can transform agriculture into an engine of national growth and shared prosperity,” he stated.
“Let this not be the dream of one man or one government. Let it be our collective mission as a people.”
