The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has announced plans to employ 400 Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) in districts nationwide as part of efforts to enhance the implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, during his address at the Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Monday.
He disclosed that the Ministry is also onboarding 10,000 young people through a four-year National Service Agripreneur Track, noting that some members of each batch would be absorbed permanently to reinforce agricultural extension services.
“Our extension officer-to-farmer ratio is far below standard, and this programme will help close that gap,” he said.
“By investing in frontline services, we are cementing the foundation for modern, climate-smart agriculture,” the Minister added.
Mr Opoku further revealed that 540 motorbikes had been acquired for AEAs, with 150 already handed over to boost mobility and efficiency in field operations.
He explained that the Feed Ghana Programme has grown beyond a policy initiative into a nationwide movement, involving state agencies, educational institutions and faith-based organisations in both institutional and community farming.
He noted that key interventions under the programme include expanded irrigation systems, promotion of home gardening, mechanisation assistance, cooperative strengthening and value chain development. Touching on irrigation, Mr Opoku said 10 dams had been newly constructed, eight rehabilitated, and 250 solar-powered boreholes installed across the northern regions and parts of Bono and Ahafo.
The Minister also indicated that 50 Farmers’ Service Centres were currently being established, fitted with more than 4,000 machines to aid land preparation, harvesting, storage and market access.
In addition, he highlighted progress made under the poultry revitalisation drive, referencing initiatives such as the Nkoko Nkitinkiti backyard poultry project, the Poultry Intensification Programme and support for anchor farmers to produce millions of birds.
According to Mr Opoku, these interventions are already yielding positive results, including improved food supply and a reduction in inflation.
Source: GNA
