Mahama’s Agric Reset Agenda In Full Swing

The government’s push to reset and modernise Ghana’s agricultural sector is gathering pace, as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sentuo Group Limited to boost agro-processing and fertiliser production nationwide.

The agreement, spearheaded by Agriculture Minister, Eric Opoku and aligned with the larger vision of President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to reposition Ghana from a largely raw commodity exporter into a competitive agro-industrial economy.

Central to the partnership is the establishment of modern agro-processing facilities across the country, aimed at adding value to key crops including cashew, maize, rice, soybean, and oil palm. The initiative will also integrate storage, packaging, quality control, and export systems to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness on the global market.

Officials say the move is part of a deliberate strategy to reduce post-harvest losses while expanding export earnings through processed agricultural products.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Eric Opoku described the agreement as a turning point for the sector.

“This partnership signals a shift from exporting raw commodities to building a resilient agro-industrial economy that delivers jobs, value, and long-term prosperity,” he said.

A key component of the deal is the development of a National Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant alongside an integrated input supply system.

The project aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported fertilisers and stabilise prices for farmers.

According to the Minister, the initiative will shield local farmers from global supply shocks and input cost volatility.

“For years, our farmers have been vulnerable to fluctuations in imported inputs. This intervention will ensure reliable access to affordable fertiliser across the country,” he noted.

The MoFA–Sentuo partnership is expected to complement ongoing government interventions under programmes such as the Feed Ghana initiative and the 24-Hour Economy policy.

The 2026 national budget underscores the scale of these efforts, with plans for the distribution of over 272,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser nationwide, alongside targeted support for intensified crop production and cocoa sector inputs.

Analysts say the establishment of local fertiliser production capacity could significantly reduce foreign exchange pressures while improving supply chain stability.

Under the agreement, Sentuo Group will finance, design, construct, and operate the proposed facilities through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, in line with Ghana’s regulatory framework.

The company is expected to deploy modern technologies and international expertise, while prioritising job creation, skills development, and local content.

The Agric minister highlighted the employment potential of the initiative, noting that it is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain.

MoFA will oversee policy coordination, regulatory support, and stakeholder alignment to ensure smooth implementation of the projects.

Industry observers have described the agreement as a significant milestone, reflecting growing investor confidence and a clearer policy direction under the current administration.

Reaffirming government’s commitment, the Minister stated that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to build a sustainable and industrialised agricultural economy.

“With strategic partnerships like this, we are laying the foundation for a productive, export-driven agricultural sector capable of supporting Ghana’s long-term economic transformation,” he said.

With feasibility studies and regulatory processes expected to begin in the coming months, the MoFA–Sentuo partnership is being positioned as a flagship initiative in Ghana’s agricultural transformation drive.

If successfully implemented, the project is expected to boost value addition, improve farmer access to inputs, create jobs and strengthen food security – key pillars in the country’s quest for economic resilience and growth.

 

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