Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a plan to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres across Ghana, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers with modern technology.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama made this announcement at the Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 held in Accra. He stated that the centres would be strategically located in major agricultural zones and are designed to offer mechanisation services, training, and technical assistance to farmers. This initiative is part of the government's comprehensive strategy to transform agriculture into a pivotal force for economic growth, job creation, and export enhancement.
President Mahama elaborated that the project will initially focus on 11 centres, with the first groundbreaking event scheduled to take place at Afram Plains. These centres will provide registered farmers with access to essential agricultural equipment such as tractors and ploughing tools, in addition to offering processing support for their produce. Extension officers will be available to guide and train farmers, ultimately improving their yields and efficiency.
The President emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture in driving industrialisation and economic transformation, urging a shift away from viewing it merely as a subsistence activity. He highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
Furthermore, President Mahama stressed the need for investment in local agricultural technology to reduce reliance on imported machinery, thereby fostering a resilient agricultural economy. He pointed out that supporting local agritech manufacturing would generate employment, decrease import dependency, and position Ghana as a producer and exporter of agricultural technology.
He also encouraged young people to explore opportunities within the agricultural sector, noting the demand for skills in engineering, data science, logistics, and innovation. Additionally, he called on financial institutions and investors to support agribusinesses, framing agriculture as a scalable and financially viable industry.
The Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Export-Import Bank, serves as a platform for farmers, researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders to showcase innovations aimed at transforming the agricultural sector. President Mahama concluded by urging all stakeholders to collaborate in building a modern, competitive, and technology-driven agricultural economy in Ghana.