In a recent meeting with officials from the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, unveiled an ambitious plan by the government to achieve food security, boost local production, and reduce imports of essential commodities such as tomatoes and onions.

The minister expressed his commitment to finalizing this “aggressive plan” in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry.

According to him, over the next five years, government aims to establish a comprehensive strategy that will ensure year-round production, align food consumption with export demands, and meet industrial requirements. The plan, currently under development, will prioritize building resilience in the agricultural sector and ending the reliance on imported food items.

Hon. Bryan Acheampong highlighted the significance of securing cabinet approval for the plan, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement to ensure its successful implementation.

He stated that the government aims to garner the support and cooperation of various stakeholders, including farmers, industry experts, and policymakers, to realize their objectives and bring about positive change in the agricultural landscape by promoting all-year-round production and reducing imports of essential commodities, the government’s plan seeks to enhance food security and decrease dependency on external sources.

This strategic approach, according to him, does not only aim to meet local demand but also positions Ghana as a self-sufficient nation capable of exporting surplus agricultural products.

During the meeting, Hon. Acheampong expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with the IFDC, recognizing the center’s expertise and knowledge in agricultural development. The partnership with organizations like the IFDC demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging international expertise and best practices to achieve its objectives.