Social and environmental advocate Nana Dwomoh Sarpong has called for a radical overhaul of Ghana's agricultural sector. He believes the country must urgently rethink its food production and management of agricultural resources. Sarpong suggests Ghana can learn from countries that have successfully transformed their agricultural sectors through technology, irrigation, innovation, research, and investment in human capital. This approach, he argues, can improve food security, create jobs, and reduce Ghana's growing dependence on imported food.
Sarpong cites Israel as a notable example of a country that has developed a productive agricultural system despite limitations in land and water resources. Israel's experience demonstrates how technology, efficient water management, irrigation, research, and innovation can overcome agricultural challenges. Ghana has a history of agricultural cooperation with Israel, particularly during the early years of Ghana's independence. Israeli agricultural experts worked with Ghanaian counterparts, and Ghanaian farmers and professionals received training in Israel.
Sarpong recommends reviving and deepening Ghana's cooperation with Israel in areas such as irrigation, greenhouse farming, agricultural research, water management, modern farming technologies, and farmer training. However, he stresses that Ghana should adapt these practices to its own conditions and invest in the necessary infrastructure and expertise. A modern agricultural system, he argues, should produce enough food, create employment, protect the environment, and prepare the country for future economic and environmental shocks.
Sarpong expresses concern over the destruction of agricultural lands, particularly through illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey. He warns that continued degradation of farmlands and contamination of water bodies pose a serious threat to agriculture. Sarpong calls for stronger measures to protect agricultural lands and urges the government to prioritize irrigation in its agricultural development strategy. He believes Ghana cannot achieve meaningful transformation while relying heavily on rainfall.
Sarpong advocates for a renewed focus on agricultural self-sufficiency, drawing lessons from past initiatives such as Operation Feed Yourself. He encourages policymakers to examine agricultural development initiatives from previous administrations and identify applicable lessons. Sarpong questions why Ghana's agricultural sector, once more productive and robust, has struggled to maintain momentum. He calls for policies that improve farmers' access to essential inputs while protecting agricultural lands.
Empowering local farmers, Sarpong believes, should be at the center of efforts to strengthen Ghana's food system. Beyond food production, he sees agriculture as crucial in tackling unemployment and promoting sustainable development. A modernized agricultural sector, he argues, can generate jobs, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection. Making farming more productive and profitable can also restore dignity to rural communities and encourage young people to view agriculture as a viable economic opportunity.
Sarpong emphasizes the urgency of revolutionizing Ghana's agriculture, stressing that the time for action is now. He believes that with the right approach, Ghana can develop a robust and sustainable agricultural sector that ensures food security, creates jobs, and promotes economic growth. By learning from successful examples and adapting them to Ghanaian conditions, the country can overcome its agricultural challenges and build a more resilient food system.
Key points
- Nana Dwomoh Sarpong calls for a radical overhaul of Ghana's agricultural sector to improve food security and create jobs.
- Sarpong cites Israel as a model for successful agricultural transformation through technology and innovation.
- He emphasizes the need to protect agricultural lands from degradation and prioritize irrigation in agricultural development.
