Author: Sefakor
In a bid to curb the devastating impact of illegal mining on cash crops; especially, cocoa, cashew, coconut and rubber crops, the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) says it is ready to fight the menace, popularly called ‘galamsey’, through the establishment of a task force with the help of regional coordinating councils, and the security agencies. Illegal mining in recent times has destroyed vast farmlands, displacing farmers and threatening food security. The practice has led to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation and water pollution, which further harm agricultural productivity. Chemicals used in mining, such as mercury and cyanide, contaminate soil…
President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana, which is currently the second leading cocoa producer in the world, is ready to share technical support and expertise in the production of the cash crop with Liberia. According to President Mahama, he has had bilateral talks with Liberia’s President, Joseph Boakai on how the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) could partner Liberia to strengthen cocoa production using modern methods as a joint venture between their two countries. President Mahama disclosed this to journalists at the credential ceremony at Jubilee House, whilst receiving letters of credence from Mrs Musu Jatu Ruhle, Ambassador of Liberia to…
Smallholder cocoa farmers in Ghana have launched a central coordinating association in hopes to become a part of the decision-making processes in the cocoa sector, to ensure representation of their interest as key stakeholders in cocoa production. The Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Limited (GCCFA), as they are known, comprises of 75 cooperative unions from nine cocoa-growing regions in Ghana. Before the creation of the Association, cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions, each comprising of various cooperatives within a region, operated independently and in isolation, which made engagement at different decision-making levels within the cocoa value chain limited to only…
The National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) says it needs about GH¢700 million desperately to enable it to carry out its task of stocking food on behalf of the nation. This was made known by the Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, George Abradu-Otoo. According to him, the company was instituted to stock food on behalf of the country as an intervention measure in the event of any food shortage or unforeseen disasters in the country. In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Abradu-Otoo said “Our mandate is to stock food on behalf of the nation, in order to be able…
Cashew production plays a significant role in Ghana’s economy, particularly in rural development and export revenues. The cashew sector employs over 200,000 Ghanaians, mostly in rural areas. This contributes significantly to poverty alleviation and improving livelihoods in these regions. However, in recent times, the alarming rise of illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’, has begun to devastate cashew farms in Bono Region – posing threats to the sustainability of cashew production and livelihoods of many farmers. Illegal miners in the Bono region have encroached some cashew production areas in Wenchi Municipality and Banda District, with their activities causing significant damage…
The Israeli Economic and Trade Mission in Ghana has organised an engagement with Vegetable Producers and Exporters in Ghana on using modern technologies to boost vegetable production targeting the international market. Under the theme: “Bridging Innovation and Growth in Vegetable Production and Export “, the event sought to enhance Ghana’s vegetable industry through Israeli agri-tech innovations, whilst offering training and workshops to enhance vegetable farmers’ expertise. Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of the meeting at the Tang Palace hotel in Accra on 12 March, 2025, the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad highlighted the…
The vegetable industry in Ghana is currently being recognised for its massive contribution to the country’s economic growth and food security, and as a result, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has pledged that, it is committed to promoting a conducive environment for the growth of the vegetable sector in the country. Speaking on behalf of the sector Minister during an engagement with Vegetable Producers and Exporters in Ghana, organised by the Israeli Economic and Trade Mission to Ghana on 12 March, 2025 at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, Paul Siameh who is the Acting chief Director at…
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Casiel Ato Forson has reiterated the government’s position to support the agricultural sector in Ghana for transformation and job creation. Delivering his speech on the country’s budget statement and economic policy at Parliament House in Accra on Tuesday, 11 March, 2025, the finance minister indicated that, “ the government has allocated an amount of 1.5 billion Ghana cedis for the agricultural for economic transformational programmes, Feed Ghana, Vegetable Development Project and Nkoko Nketenkete as key components.” The Poultry Farm to Table initiative, otherwise referred to as ‘Nkoko nketenkete’ programme by the government is an initiative…
The minister of Finance, Dr. Casiel Ato Forson has announced that, the country’s cocoa sector has declined by 50% over the past three years, due to mismanagement by the previous administration. According to the minister, COCOBOD was unable to meet its contractual obligations of “supplying 330,000 tonnes of cocoa in the 2023/2024 crop season, which has sharply affected the finances of Ghana COCBOD.” Dr. Ato Forson made these revelations during his presentation of the country’s budget statement and economic policy under the theme: “resetting the economy for Ghana we want”, at Parliament House in Accra on Tuesday, 11 March, 2025.…
A cross-section of Ghanaians in the agricultural sector is eagerly awaiting significant attention to the industry in the upcoming budget presentation that will enhance productivity, income and food security. Dr. Casiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, is scheduled to present the 2025 budget to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The budget is expected to address pressing issues such as Ghana’s high inflation rates, unstable exchange rates, and challenges facing the agricultural sector, among other economic concerns. The presentation aligns with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 21(3) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). This…