Kojo Akoto Boateng, co-host of Joy FM's Super Morning Show and a commercial farmer, has urged Ghana to invest heavily in large-scale farming to drive industrialisation. He made this call during a discussion on the Ecobank and Joy Business Financial Dialogue held on September 22. Akoto Boateng argued that the country's focus on smallholder farmers is not the route to industrialisation. He believes that large-scale farming is essential for improving quality, ensuring consistent supply, and implementing irrigation systems.
Akoto Boateng criticised the current approach to farming, which he described as centred on small distributions of seeds and fertiliser to farmers who depend on rainfall. He argued that farming needs better planning, stronger links to buyers and manufacturers, and a more scientific and structured approach. According to him, large farms can create thousands of jobs while supplying produce for export and manufacturing. He cited Golden Exotics, which he said employed more than 5,000 people and exported bananas worth millions of dollars.
The commercial farmer also pointed to Miro Forestry, saying it employed more than 5,000 people across Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Akoto Boateng urged banks to work with the government and private sector to mobilise substantial funding for medium- and large-scale farms over the next five years. He believes that this will help drive Ghana's industrialisation and improve the country's agricultural sector.
Akoto Boateng's call for investment in large-scale farming comes as the country seeks to boost its agricultural sector. The sector is a significant contributor to Ghana's economy, but it faces challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. Akoto Boateng's comments are also in line with Ecobank's efforts to support the agricultural sector through dedicated expertise and training.
Ecobank has been working to support the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including the provision of finance and training. The bank's efforts aim to help farmers and agribusinesses access the finance they need to grow and expand their operations. Akoto Boateng's call for greater investment in large-scale farming is likely to be welcomed by the bank and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The discussion on the Ecobank and Joy Business Financial Dialogue highlighted the need for greater collaboration between banks, the government, and the private sector to support the agricultural sector. Akoto Boateng's comments are likely to contribute to the ongoing conversation about how to support the sector and drive Ghana's industrialisation. The country's industrialisation efforts are crucial for its economic development and growth.
Akoto Boateng's proposal for large-scale farming is expected to be a key part of Ghana's efforts to drive industrialisation and improve its agricultural sector. The country's focus on large-scale farming is likely to lead to increased investment in the sector, which will help to create jobs, improve food security, and drive economic growth.
Key points
- Kojo Akoto Boateng calls for greater investment in large-scale farming to drive Ghana's industrialisation.
- Large-scale farming can create thousands of jobs while supplying produce for export and manufacturing.
- Akoto Boateng urges banks to work with the government and private sector to mobilise substantial funding for medium- and large-scale farms over the next five years.
