In a bid to revitalize its agricultural sector and improve food security, the government will deploy 5,000 university-trained graduates in agriculture and veterinary sciences under its flagship Feed Ghana Programme, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang announced Sunday.
Speaking at the 2025 Asogli Yam Festival in the Volta Region, the Vice President said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize farming, integrate research into field practices, and provide direct support to smallholder farmers through enhanced extension services.
“This year, under the Ministry of Agriculture, significant resources have been allocated to support the Feed Ghana Programme, including the deployment of thousands of graduates who will work side by side with farmers across the country,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said.
The programme targets key challenges in Ghana’s agricultural landscape, including erratic weather patterns, post-harvest losses, and weak market access. Government efforts will focus on boosting vegetable production—particularly in the Volta Region—by introducing greenhouse systems, irrigation technologies, and modern cultivation techniques.
Officials say the initiative also includes support for existing projects such as the Vegetable Development Project and the poultry-focused “Nkokɔ Nkititi” initiative.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation in agriculture, announcing plans to roll out agribusiness training programs and credit schemes aimed at encouraging youth participation in farming and veterinary services.
“The Yam Festival is more than a cultural celebration—it’s a reminder of the central role agriculture plays in our economy and a platform to recognize the farmers driving Ghana’s food systems,” she said.
The government’s agricultural push comes amid rising concerns over climate resilience and food security in West Africa. Ghana’s strategic move to integrate science-led farming practices with traditional systems could serve as a model for the region, analysts say.
