By Dr. Betty Annan, Ghana Country Director of AGRA
AGRA is transforming agriculture from a survival-based endeavor into a thriving, sustainable business through visionary partnerships.
Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chairman of AGRA, recently met with Ghanaian parliamentarians in a high-impact dialogue to advance agro-industry competitiveness and strengthen food systems.
This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to building an agricultural sector that drives economic growth, ensures food security, and fosters environmental resilience.
Over the past year, AGRA and Ghana’s MPs have tackled pressing challenges in food systems and agricultural development. These efforts have included advancing policies to combat climate change, enhance agricultural extension services, and position Ghana as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
As Mr. Hailemariam noted, Parliamentarians play a pivotal role in allocating budgets and shaping policies that drive agricultural transformation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for meaningful change.
Empowering Change Through Strategic Partnerships
One of the key areas of collaboration is the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN), which champions the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Through AFSPaN, AGRA has empowered MPs to monitor and support their governments’ commitments to agricultural transformation.
This partnership has inspired innovative solutions and fostered accountability, as emphasized by Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chair of AFSPaN. He observes Ethiopia’s investment in agriculture, at 17% of GDP, demonstrates the transformative potential of such commitments. As we adopt similar strategies in Ghana, the results will follow.
Accelerating Progress for a Resilient Future
AGRA’s work with Ghanaian MPs has already delivered impactful outcomes. For instance, the recently passed Environmental Protection Bill includes dedicated measures to combat climate change—a testament to the power of informed policymaking. By addressing these challenges head-on, AGRA and its partners are creating pathways to sustainable, resilient farming practices that secure livelihoods and improve food security.
Looking ahead, AGRA and its stakeholders are preparing for the launch of the Kampala Declaration 2025, a new blueprint for agricultural development across Africa. This landmark initiative will guide efforts to ensure agriculture not only survives but thrives—empowering farmers, strengthening economies, and creating resilient food systems across the continent.
As the continent is gathering in Kampala, for the next three days, we all need to join forces, farmers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society, to attain this transformation journey. Together, we can shape a future where agriculture is not just a means of survival but a thriving, sustainable engine of growth for all.
Engaging other partners
Mr. Dessalegn also met partners of AGRA in Ghana to appreciate their efforts in supporting the implementation of AGRA’s strategy to create an inclusive food system that reduces hunger, improves nutrition, and adapts to climate change. Partners from academia and research institutions, government ministries and agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and agricultural training centers, among others, participated in the meeting.
Mr. Dessalegn emphasized the urgency to tackle climate change, noting the phenomenon is rapidly altering the global food landscape.
He noted the impact of climate change is undeniable, but together, with the collective power of stakeholders, AGRA and partners can craft the policies, strategies, and initiatives that will not only improve yields but build resilience for generations to come.
Participants at the engagement had the following to say. Nana Opoku Agyemang Prempeh, CEO of Grow For Me, a company providing ready market for farmers, shared his ambitious vision: “We want to impact 130,000 smallholder farmers, providing a ready market for about $10m worth of rice and soybean and enabling regular people to invest in agriculture at scale in Ghana through the mobile money networks,” he said.
This is the kind of innovation and bold thinking AGRA is supporting and it’s only just the beginning.
Ing. Busia Dawuni, Managing Director of Integrated Water and Agricultural Development (IWAD), spoke about scaling up seed production. “We are importing over 80% of our seed needs in Ghana, which is not good enough. Covid has taught us a lesson. We want to encourage AGRA to keep up support for the seed sector so we can stand on our feet to produce our own seeds to contribute to food security, good income for our farmers, and reduce poverty in rural areas,” he said.
The future is now within reach. AGRA’s commitment to supporting the full agricultural value chain, from seed to table, is clear. But it’s not a journey that AGRA can take alone. This is your invitation to get involved. Whether you’re a researcher, a policymaker, a farmer, or an entrepreneur, your actions today can drive the systemic change needed for tomorrow. Let’s work together to build a resilient, thriving agricultural future for Ghana and Africa.
