Tamale: The Chief Executive Officer of the Business and Financial Times, Godwin Acquaye, has emphasized the need for a well-structured mechanism to enhance crop production and strengthen food security in Ghana. During a panel discussion at the inaugural National Market Actors' Forum under the Transforming Households Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE 2030) project in Tamale, Dr Acquaye advocated for the establishment of organized aggregation hubs for farmers. These hubs, particularly targeting producers of tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables, would improve market access, ensure fair pricing, and facilitate engagement between investors, businesses, and producers.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Acquaye highlighted the importance of targeted investment in smallholder farmers to expand production, improve livelihoods, and reduce reliance on imports while promoting export growth. He also stressed the necessity for improved climate information, urging the Ghana Meteorological Agency to provide timely and accurate rainfall data to assist farming decisions amid changing weather conditions.
Dr Acquaye pointed out that limited access to finance is a major constraint faced by farmers, attributed largely to poor record-keeping and weak farm-level structures. He noted that without proper data on investment, production, and revenue, financial institutions remain hesitant to support smallholder farmers. The two-day forum, organized by World Vision Ghana under its THRIVE 2030 initiative and themed 'Partnering for prosperity: Strengthening market linkages for all', brought together producers, investors, processors, policymakers, and development partners to promote structured trading and inclusive growth.
Daniel Asare-Kyei, Chief Executive Officer of Esoko Limited, also addressed data gaps and fragmentation within the sector as significant barriers to financing, noting that agriculture is often perceived by banks as high risk. Meanwhile, Food Security and Livelihoods Technical Manager at World Vision, Mawxwell Amedi, mentioned that the initiative aims to bolster resilience through technical support and program delivery. Additionally, THRIVE 2030's Director of Operations, Strategic Partnership and Integration, Angeline Munzara, explained the project's role in expanding access to finance and skills to unlock economic potential.
Dr Acquaye further emphasized that while Ghana has sound agricultural policies, weak implementation remains a challenge. He advocated for the adoption of coordinated support systems, including land preparation, subsidized inputs, and mechanized harvesting, similar to models in other countries, to drive productivity and ensure long-term sector growth.