Ghana’s Path to Food Security: Harnessing Tradition and Innovation for a Resilient Future
20-03-2025
Discover how Ghana is reclaiming its food sovereignty by blending traditional farming wisdom with modern innovations. Explore key insights from Agriterra’s National Stakeholders Dialogue on Food & Nutrition Safety.
As the world grapples with an escalating food crisis, Ghana stands at a crossroads, faced with both immense challenges and remarkable opportunities. With a rich agricultural heritage rooted in indigenous crops and time-honoured farming techniques, the country has the potential to reclaim its food sovereignty. However, reliance on imported food threatens not only Ghana’s self-sufficiency but also its cultural and nutritional identity. On 11th February 2025, Agriterra took a decisive step by bringing together policymakers, scientists, farmers, and industry leaders at the National Stakeholders Dinner Dialogue on Food and Nutrition Safety. Under the theme “Optimising Food Systems Transformation in Ghana: The Role of Indigenous Foods in Improving Food and Nutrition Security,” this landmark event ignited crucial discussions about securing Ghana’s food future through local production, innovation, and policy reform.
A Critical Dialogue: Balancing Tradition and Progress
Joseph Effah Ennin, a senior official from the Fishery Commission, set the tone for the evening, calling for a renewed focus on Ghana’s indigenous food production. “Food security isn’t just about having enough to eat—it’s about preserving our heritage, empowering our farmers, and ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to nutritious, locally grown food,” he stated. His message was clear: to safeguard Ghana’s future, policymakers must prioritise homegrown agricultural production, limiting reliance on imports and reinforcing local food systems.
The Policy Roadmap: Driving Change from the Ground Up
The urgency of Ennin’s message resonated with all in attendance. He advocated for policies to regulate and, in some cases, restrict imported food where local alternatives exist, arguing that such measures would bolster agribusiness, create jobs, and ease financial pressure on Ghanaian households. Echoing this sentiment, Sudhir Kumar from Ecom—a company committed to Ghana’s agricultural future—emphasised that Ghanaian food should not merely survive, but thrive, competing confidently on the global stage.
Agriterra’s Regional Manager for West Africa, Erwin Brouwer, underscored the transformative potential of integrating traditional farming wisdom with modern agricultural innovations. “Tonight’s discussions mark a pivotal moment—a chance to merge ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge technology to reshape Ghana’s food systems,” Brouwer affirmed. His words reflected a shared vision: the fusion of tradition and innovation as the key to a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
Rethinking Agriculture: The Role of Technology and Innovation
Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, CEO of Impact Food Hub, challenged the room with a thought-provoking question: “Why do we rely so heavily on imports when our lands are fertile and our agricultural knowledge is vast?” She highlighted how outdated farming techniques, rather than a lack of resources, hinder productivity. “We need to embrace modern tools such as artificial intelligence and precision farming to increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and unlock new markets for Ghanaian produce,” she urged. Her insights painted a promising picture—one where Ghana’s agricultural sector evolves into a globally competitive force without losing sight of its roots.
Reviving Indigenous Foods for a Healthier Future
Inge Tenniglo from the Dutch Embassy in Ghana turned attention to shifting dietary habits, highlighting the irony of Ghana’s rich agricultural resources being overshadowed by imported goods. “Walk into any supermarket, and you’ll see produce flown in from Europe, while local markets struggle to promote Ghanaian-grown food,” she noted. Tenniglo shed light on the stark nutritional challenges facing the country, from high rates of anaemia among women to childhood stunting. “Nineteen percent of children under five are stunted, and eleven percent are severely underweight. Yet, the solution is right here—nutrient-rich, climate-resilient traditional foods like fonio, cassava, and local vegetables.”
To combat this, she advocated for a consumer mindset shift, urging people to celebrate and demand Ghanaian food. The Dutch Embassy is already supporting initiatives such as community seed banks, the Ghana Food Movement, and educational programmes like Orange Week, which introduces schoolchildren to local crops and healthy eating. Tenniglo praised Agriterra for its dedication to linking farmers and catalysing long-term change.
Farmers at the Forefront: Voices from the Fields
The event gave centre stage to the very people who sustain Ghana’s food systems—its farmers. Augustine Tetteh, President of the Akyemansa District Wine Flavour Cocoa Cooperative, spoke passionately about the need to modernise traditional farming methods. “I’ve farmed all my life, but to truly compete, we need to move beyond cutlasses and embrace mechanisation,” he stated. His words reflected a broader reality—Ghanaian farmers are eager to innovate but require support to do so.
Agriterra’s Role: A Catalyst for Change
For over 25 years, Agriterra has empowered farmers across Africa, and its commitment to Ghana remains steadfast. Through training, capacity building, and cooperative strengthening, the organisation equips smallholder farmers with the skills and resources they need to thrive. “We believe farmer cooperatives are the engines of sustainable development,” Brouwer reaffirmed. By bridging the gap between farmers and policymakers, Agriterra ensures that grassroots voices shape national agricultural policies.
A Vision for the Future: Cultivating Self-Reliance and National Pride
The message from the National Stakeholders Dinner Dialogue was unmistakable—Ghana’s food systems must evolve towards resilience and self-sufficiency. By equipping farmers with modern techniques, investing in research, and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and consumers, Ghana has the potential to reduce its dependence on imports and build a thriving agricultural ecosystem.
What transpired at this gathering was more than just discussion—it was the planting of seeds for a movement. The path forward is clear: policymakers must introduce supportive regulations, agribusinesses must integrate innovation with tradition, and consumers must champion local produce. Ghana stands on the brink of a transformative shift, and with the right commitment, the nation can forge a food-secure future that honours its heritage, sustains its economy, and nourishes its people.
Agriterra remains unwavering in its mission—to turn dialogue into action, empowering farmers and strengthening cooperatives. The challenge is immense, but so is the opportunity. Now is the time to cultivate Ghana’s agricultural future with deliberate action, unwavering commitment, and a shared national vision.
