Accra: The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has mandated the newly formed National Seed Council to speed up the certification process for locally produced seed varieties. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and reduce Ghana's reliance on imported seeds. The directive was issued by Mr. John Dumelo, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, during the Council's inauguration at the Ministry in Accra, where the eight members were also sworn in.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Council is chaired by Alhaji Abubakari Mumuni, representing the Minister of Food and Agriculture. Other members include Professor Maxwell Darko Asante from the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Dr. Solomon Gyan Ansah from MoFA's Crop Services Directorate, and Mr. Eric Bentil Quaye from MoFA's Plant Protection and Regulatory Services. The team is further complemented by representatives from various agricultural sectors, including Mr. Francis Kwasi Adzalo from the Seed Growers Association, Mr. Ebenezer Kwabena Asante from the National Farmers Association, and Prof. Michael Yaw Osae from the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute. Other members are Mr. Peter Boamah Otukonor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, and Madam Agnes Kusi, a presidential nominee.
Mr. Dumelo emphasized the crucial role of quality seeds in the agricultural value chain and urged the Council to ensure improved seed varieties are accessible to farmers. He highlighted the need to reduce seed importation and certify indigenous Ghanaian seeds, calling on the Council to facilitate the certification process for local seed producers.
The Deputy Minister pointed out the necessity of developing seeds that can withstand climate change impacts and crop diseases. He mentioned that the government's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through various initiatives would be more effective when supplemented by the availability of quality seeds.
In response, Alhaji Mumuni, on behalf of the Council, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry for their trust. He pledged the Council's dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities and meeting expectations.
The National Seed Council, established under Ghana's Plants and Fertilizer Act, 2010 (Act 803), is tasked with advising the Minister on seed policy, regulating the seed industry, and ensuring the production, certification, and distribution of quality seeds across Ghana. It also aims to promote the development of the seed sector, maintain seed quality standards, and support agricultural productivity and food security through access to certified planting materials.