President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the construction of Ghana’s first Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene in the Afram Plains, marking a significant step in his administration’s push to modernize the country’s agricultural sector.
The sod-cutting ceremony on Saturday fulfilled a key campaign promise from the 2024 elections and signaled a definitive policy shift towards mechanised, technology-driven agriculture.
Addressing a gathering of farmers and local residents, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for Ghana to abandon subsistence farming methods and adopt modern practices to remain competitive.
“The era of farming with traditional tools such as cutlasses and hoes must give way to modern, mechanised agriculture,” he stated. “Across the world, developed countries are far ahead because they have embraced technology and sophisticated machinery in farming.”
A Hub for Mechanisation and Support
The new facility is designed to serve as an integrated agricultural support hub. It will provide farmers with access to tractors, combine harvesters, threshers, and other essential machinery, alongside a dedicated maintenance unit to ensure equipment remains operational. The centre will also function as a training facility, offering registered farmers instruction in modern techniques and best practices.
A key component of the project is a soil testing laboratory, intended to help farmers make informed decisions on crop selection and fertilizer application to boost yields and reduce waste. Extension officers will be on hand to provide technical assistance, and the centre will also offer access to quality seeds and fertilizers.
To tackle post-harvest losses, the facility will include storage infrastructure such as warehouses and silos. Under the model outlined by the President, the centre will purchase produce directly from farmers, store it, and release it onto the market when prices are more favorable.
“Government will also introduce a minimum recommended price each year to guarantee farmers receive fair prices for their produce, often higher than prevailing market rates,” President Mahama announced.
Afram Plains as a Strategic Pilot
The President explained that the Afram Plains was chosen for the pilot phase due to its status as a major food-producing area, particularly for staples like maize, cassava, and groundnuts. “The Farmer Services Centre represents a bold step towards modernising agriculture in Ghana,” he said. “Together, we can transform Afram Plains into a true engine of food security and economic growth for our nation.”
Complementary Interventions Announced
President Mahama also outlined a suite of complementary interventions to boost agricultural productivity. He disclosed that funding for food purchases under the National Buffer Stock Company has been increased from GH¢200 million last year to GH¢300 million this year. He further announced that fertilizers would be supplied free of charge to farmers to help them recover from losses sustained during the previous bumper harvest.
In a move to protect local farmers, the President assured that no new permits had been issued for maize imports, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting domestic producers.
Infrastructure Upgrades to Boost Market Access
Beyond agriculture, the President announced several infrastructure projects designed to improve market access for farmers in the region. He noted that a contract has been awarded to SONITRA Constructions Limited for the construction of the Adawso–Ekye Amanfrom bridge across the Afram River. Additionally, he stated that irrigation schemes covering about 900 hectares have been initiated to promote year-round farming, and the Adawso–Abloblodepke road is slated for an upgrade under the government’s Big Push Programme.
The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and long-term food security.
