Feed Ghana Programme Links 70,000 Farmers to Regional Markets as TCDA Sets Up Northern Model Farm

The Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), a cornerstone of President John Mahama’s administration launched in April 2025, has recorded significant success in reducing the nation’s dependence on food imports. According to recent reports, the programme has successfully boosted the production of key staples including maize, rice, and tomatoes, as well as poultry. Notably, maize production has already surpassed national consumption levels, marking a major milestone toward domestic food self-sufficiency. To build on this momentum, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has announced plans to link approximately 70,000 farmers participating in the FGP to agribusinesses and agri-solution providers across the West African sub-region, fostering a more integrated and resilient regional market. During the 2nd West Africa Agri Show, Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, the National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, emphasized that these regional links are vital for ensuring sustainable processing and distribution. While the programme has received substantial government funding and shows clear progress, challenges remain, particularly for tomato farmers seeking better market access. To address these hurdles, upcoming phases of the FGP are expected to focus on improving storage and transportation infrastructure, ensuring that increased production translates into long-term economic stability and reduced post-harvest losses. Parallel to these national efforts, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is intensifying its operations in northern Ghana to diversify the agricultural economy. TCDA CEO Dr. Andy Osei Okrah has announced the adoption of the MATCO Mango Plantation in the Upper West Region as a strategic model prototype for commercial farming. This initiative aims to empower women and youth by leveraging the region’s potential for mango, cashew, and shea production. To protect these economic assets, the TCDA has issued a stern warning against the illegal felling of shea trees and is establishing a dedicated office in Wa to oversee regional agricultural transformation and provide technical support to plantation owners. The shift toward a more robust agricultural sector is also being supported by private sector leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. Professionals like Catherine Krobo Edusei, who returned to Ghana after a decade-long banking career in London, illustrate the growing opportunities in the local food market. By identifying a gap in the supply of fresh herbs and high-quality produce, Edusei transitioned from corporate finance to agribusiness, successfully reducing consumer reliance on imported alternatives. Her journey reflects a broader trend of skilled professionals investing in Ghana’s agricultural value chain, complementing government-led initiatives to secure the nation’s food future and drive sustainable economic growth.