Mahama outlined plans to shift Ghana towards a value-addition model, where raw agricultural produce is processed into finished goods for export and domestic consumption….reports Asian Lite News
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s first agriculture technology fair, underscoring his government’s commitment to harnessing innovation to boost farm productivity and support economic growth.
According to Xinhua, Mahama said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to build a more productive, diversified and resilient economy, with agriculture positioned at the centre of national transformation efforts. He stressed that the sector must move beyond its traditional role and become a key driver of industrial development.
Mahama outlined plans to shift Ghana towards a value-addition model, where raw agricultural produce is processed into finished goods for export and domestic consumption. As reported by Xinhua, he said this approach would create jobs, strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imports.
“Modern agriculture lies at the heart of this vision, not as a narrow social sector, but as an engine of industrial transformation,” Mahama said, as quoted by Xinhua.
He emphasised that technology, digital tools and entrepreneurship will be critical in modernising agriculture, increasing yields and generating foreign exchange. Xinhua reported that the president also called for the development of bankable agricultural projects capable of attracting investment from financial institutions.
As part of efforts to enhance mechanisation, Mahama announced that construction of 60 farmers’ service centres will begin this week. According to Xinhua, these centres will provide access to tractors, land preparation services, fertilisers, transport and grain processing facilities, while also offering training and extension support to farmers.
Mahama further urged universities and research institutions to align their work with national priorities, ensuring that agricultural research translates into practical outcomes. Xinhua noted that he called for innovations to move “from the laboratory to the field” and contribute directly to enterprise and production.
Highlighting the changing nature of the sector, the president said agriculture now requires a diverse skill set, including engineers, data scientists, software developers and logistics experts. As cited by Xinhua, he stressed that modern farming is increasingly “digital, technological and entrepreneurial.”
The launch of the agriculture technology fair marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to modernise its agricultural sector and position it as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development, Xinhua reported.
