Godfred Seidu Jasaw proposes National Agriculture Development Fund

Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament for Wa East and Chairman of Parliament’s Food and Agriculture Committee, has advocated for the establishment of a National Agriculture Development Fund to streamline financing for the sector. Speaking at the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, Jasaw emphasized that such a fund is critical for optimizing agricultural investments and strengthening climate resilience among Ghana’s most vulnerable farming populations.

The proposed fund aims to ensure greater national control over agricultural investments, specifically targeting the needs of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. Jasaw argued that local oversight of these resources would allow for more effective integration of infrastructure development with agricultural needs. By centralizing financing, the government can ensure that investments lead to tangible improvements in the livelihoods of those at the frontline of production.

To address the growing threat of climate change, Jasaw also recommended implementing pre-season stress tests for agricultural production. This proactive strategy is intended to identify potential risks and prepare the sector for climate shocks before they impact food security. He noted that sustainable financing must be paired with rigorous risk assessment to safeguard the agricultural economy from environmental volatility.

Jasaw concluded by calling on international partners, such as the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the V20 Group, to engage more directly with parliamentary committees. He stressed that collaboration between international financial bodies and Parliament is essential for developing transparent and impactful financial proposals. This partnership, he believes, will create a more robust framework for agricultural growth and long-term sustainability in Ghana.