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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President John Dramani Mahama met with Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance ALMA, in Accra to discuss strengthening public health systems in Africa. The discussions focused on the Accra Reset, President Mahama's vision for an Africa that manufactures its own vaccines, builds resilient health systems, and reduces reliance on foreign aid. President Mahama also highlighted Ghana's Free Primary Health Care programme, which provides free basic healthcare services at CHPS compounds and polyclinics without requiring a National Health Insurance Scheme card, as part of Ghana's efforts towards Universal Health Coverage. Byanyima praised President Mahama's leadership in promoting health sovereignty, recognizing its importance for Ghana, Africa, and the Global South. This meeting took place as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, where African leaders are convening to strategize on strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.
Must ReadThe Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has responded to comments made by a United States immigration judge regarding its investigation into allegations against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The OSP clarified that it was not involved in the US immigration proceedings and that its role concerns extradition proceedings being pursued through Ghana's Attorney General. The OSP stated that the extradition case is separate from the immigration case before the US court and that the immigration court has no authority to determine the credibility of criminal charges against Ofori-Atta. The OSP outlined three separate legal proceedings involving Ofori-Atta: immigration proceedings in the US, extradition proceedings in the US, and criminal prosecution before the High Court in Accra. The office maintained that Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, a valid warrant of arrest has been issued by the High Court, Accra, and he remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana. The OSP assured that the criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue in accordance with the law and the directives of the High Court, regardless of Ofori-Atta's presence in the country. The US immigration judge, David Gardey, had stated that the court found the affidavit filed by the OSP lacked convincing evidence to support the allegations against Ofori-Atta, and that the OSP failed to demonstrate Ofori-Atta's engagement in criminal activity or personal benefit from his role as Finance Minist
Must ReadIMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe stated that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi should initiate broader action against politicians involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political affiliation. Cudjoe described the case as significant, demonstrating that high-profile individuals can be prosecuted when evidence is available. He expressed hope that this outcome would encourage law enforcement to pursue other cases involving politically exposed persons, stating it is the only way to win the war against illegal mining and water pollution. Cudjoe urged that investigations should not conclude with Wontumi and called for all politicians named in former Minister Dr. Frimpong Boateng鈥檚 dossier on destructive illegal mining to be investigated and prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found. He also encouraged President John Dramani Mahama to identify members of his own party involved in illegal mining and called for the expedited investigation of NDC officials Joseph Yamin and Abanga Yakubu by EOCO.