Agric minister launches $147.3m ‘PROSPER’ project to transform Ghana’s agriculture
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has inaugurated a nationwide agricultural intervention known as the Promoting Rural Opportunities, Sustainable Profits and Environmental Resilience (PROSPER) Project, designed to modernise Ghana’s agricultural landscape and enhance the livelihoods of approximately 420,000 beneficiaries across eight regions.
The official launch took place in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, and signals a significant milestone in the government’s broader agenda to reposition agriculture as a resilient, inclusive and commercially competitive sector.
With a total investment of US$147.3 million, the PROSPER Project is being co-financed by the Government of Ghana, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The initiative aims to reinforce rural agricultural systems, support sustainable profitability for farmers and strengthen environmental and climate resilience, particularly in climate-vulnerable communities.
A strong inclusivity framework underpins the project, with youth expected to make up 50 per cent of beneficiaries, while persons with disabilities account for five per cent. This focus is intended to tackle unemployment, narrow inequalities and empower disadvantaged groups within the agricultural value chain.
The project will prioritise seven key value chains—maize, rice, soybean, shea, cashew, poultry and vegetables—chosen for their economic viability and importance to food security and export development. Activities will be implemented in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Savannah, North East, Bono East, Oti and Eastern Regions, which have been identified as strategic hubs for agricultural growth and rural development.
Addressing the gathering at the launch, the Minister highlighted the project’s role in confronting long-standing challenges in the sector, such as low productivity levels, climate change impacts and limited access to markets and financing. He expressed optimism that the PROSPER Project would significantly accelerate agricultural transformation.
“This project is about transforming agriculture from subsistence to a profitable and sustainable business that can compete at the highest level,” the Minister stated, adding that the government remains committed to making Ghana “the food basket of Africa.”
The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Biawurbe, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely and game-changing intervention for the region.
“The Savannah Region has vast arable lands and a hardworking, youthful population, and this project allows us to fully harness these strengths,” he said.
He explained that the PROSPER Project would unlock the region’s agricultural potential, raise farmers’ incomes and stimulate agribusiness expansion. He further noted that investments in agro-processing, storage and value addition would help curb post-harvest losses while creating sustainable jobs for the youth.
“When we invest in agriculture, we are not only feeding the nation but also fighting poverty and unemployment at the same time,” the Regional Minister emphasised, urging private investors and development partners to capitalise on the opportunities created by the project.
He also assured all stakeholders of the region’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for the effective and successful implementation of the initiative.
The PROSPER Project was launched under the theme “Enhancing Climate-Resilient, Inclusive, and Market-Driven Agricultural Value Chains in Ghana.” With a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusiveness and market access, the initiative is expected to reinforce agricultural value chains, improve rural incomes and make a meaningful contribution to national economic growth.
Overall, the project underscores a long-term commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate shocks, empowering rural communities and advancing Ghana’s broader development objectives through agriculture.
Source: Joy News
