In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo outlined the significant strides made in Ghana’s agriculture and fisheries sectors, underscoring their pivotal roles in driving the nation’s economic growth.
Agriculture: Transforming Yields and Food Security
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the transformative impact of strategic policies and investments in agriculture under his administration. Between 2017 and 2023, over 2.7 million bags of fertilizers and improved seedlings were distributed to farmers, resulting in remarkable increases in crop productivity. Maize production rose by 110%, rice by 48%, and soybean by an impressive 150%, bolstering food security for Ghanaians.
“These initiatives have strengthened food security and revolutionized agriculture across the nation,” he said.
The establishment of 140 agricultural mechanization centers and the rehabilitation of irrigation systems further modernized farming practices, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Additionally, the One District, One Warehouse initiative cut post-harvest losses by 30%, while agricultural GDP growth increased from 2.7% in 2016 to 5.7% in 2023.
Advancements in Cocoa
Highlighting successes in the cocoa sector, President Akufo-Addo pointed to record-breaking productivity, with yields increasing from 450kg to 800kg per hectare. Ghana also secured its position as a leader in sustainable cocoa production through the Living Income Differential (LID) policy, a $400 per tonne premium that ensured cocoa farmers earned the highest prices in the industry’s history.
“Our cocoa farmers are now benefiting from a fairer share of the global value chain,” he stated, expressing optimism that the next administration would further increase cocoa prices to GH¢6,000 per bag.
Fisheries: Enhancing Livelihoods and Sustainability
Turning to fisheries, the president highlighted investments in infrastructure that improved the livelihoods of fisherfolk and preserved marine resources. The construction of 12 new landing sites, cold storage facilities, and the Jamestown and Elmina Fishing Harbours reduced post-harvest losses and boosted incomes.
Efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing also underscored the government’s commitment to long-term sustainability in the sector.
“These initiatives have laid the foundation for a brighter future,” Akufo-Addo remarked, expressing confidence that the progress achieved in agriculture and fisheries would continue to drive sustainable growth for Ghana.
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