Ghana launches AgriConnect Compact to create 2.6 million jobs and boost food security
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ghana has introduced the Ghana AgriConnect Compact, a national agricultural transformation plan designed to generate over 2.6 million jobs, enhance food security, and reduce food imports by 2035. The initiative aims to shift agriculture from subsistence farming to a modern agribusiness sector through increased productivity, expanded irrigation and mechanisation, improved market access, stronger agro-processing industries, and better access to finance. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, launched the program in Accra, stating its goal is to develop agricultural value chains and create employment opportunities for the youth, focusing on commodities like rice, maize, oil palm, cocoa, and poultry. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture spearheads the program in partnership with the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD, the African Development Bank, and other development partners, as a key part of the government's Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance, highlighted that Ghana spends between US$2 billion and US$3 billion annually on food imports that could be produced locally. Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Planet Practice at the World Bank, called the Compact a "landmark effort" that positions agriculture as a driver of industrialisation and inclusive growth, expecting it to benefit over three million people. The Compact is supported by an estimated US$3.5 billion investment over fi
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