The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reiterated the vital role of agriculture in Ghana’s progress, emphasising that the nation’s development hinges on a thriving agricultural sector.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, the Asantehene stressed the need for agriculture to be made truly fruitful for its intended purpose, stating that it is the very backbone of Ghana’s economy.
A key concern raised by the Asantehene was the aging demographic of farmers, noting that younger generations are not actively involved in the sector. He urged the Minister to prioritise making agriculture lucrative and attractive to the youth, emphasising the need for measures to support them in choosing farming as a viable career. He said this would boost food production and lessen reliance on imports.
Addressing the issue of land availability, the Asantehene expressed his willingness to facilitate access to land for aspiring farmers. He pledged to liaise with chiefs to release lands for agricultural purposes, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial agreements that incentivize landowners (chiefs) to support farming initiatives. This, he believes, will significantly contribute to increased food production and national food security.
The Asantehene further highlighted the crucial role of irrigation in ensuring sustainable farming practices, regardless of water availability. He encouraged the Minister to promote irrigation techniques that would enable farmers to cultivate crops year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall patterns, thereby bolstering food production and food security.
In addition to these points, the Asantehene advocated for a revival of the “Operation Feed Yourself” agenda, originally spearheaded by former Head of State, General Acheampong. He believes this initiative could stimulate agricultural growth, increase domestic food production, reduce dependence on imports, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Finally, the Asantehene emphasised the need for comprehensive support for small-scale farmers, who he recognizes as the cornerstone of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
He urged the government to provide small-scale farmers with essential resources such as inputs, credit, and extension services to enhance their productivity and contribute to national food security.
