Ghana has once again renewed its commitment to position itself as the centre for agriculture and agribusiness in its economic transformation agenda, as government agencies, the private sector and international partners gathered in Accra for the 2nd West Africa Agri Show (WAAS) and the 3rd Annual National Livestock Day in Accra at The Palms Convention Centre.
While addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, said government positions agriculture as a key driver of industrialisation, job creation and the broader 24-hour policy for economic growth.
Mr Ahi was delivering the remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. He explained efforts by the government to create an enabling environment for agribusiness investment, including tax incentives on agro-processing machinery and innovative financing mechanisms to reduce risk across the value chain.
He described the country as a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting Ghana’s ambition to attract investors seeking access to a market of over 1.3 billion people.
He revealed that Africa’s food and agriculture market is estimated to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanisation and changing consumption patterns. Despite this potential, he noted that the continent continues to rely heavily on food imports, underscoring the need to shift from primary production to value addition.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Surinder Bhagat, while reinforcing this agenda, India signalled his country’s readiness to expand cooperation with Ghana in key areas of agriculture and agribusiness.
He touched on areas for collaboration including animal health and veterinary services, dairy and poultry development, agro-processing, post-harvest management, as well as agricultural machinery and irrigation systems.
He advised Indian companies participating in the exhibition at the 2nd West Africa Agri Show to build long-term partnerships with Ghanaian businesses, focusing on local value addition, skills transfer and employment creation.
The two-day event was organised by Azalix Business Media in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, and has brought together farmers, agribusiness firms, technology providers and investors from Ghana, India and across the West African region.
The event is expected to drive new partnerships and investments aimed at strengthening Ghana’s agribusiness ecosystem and advancing its role as a regional hub for agricultural trade and innovation.
