Greater Accra Minister Announces New Support Measures for Farmers at 41st Regional Farmers’ Day
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo, has announced a series of agricultural support initiatives aimed at boosting food production and strengthening the region’s agribusiness sector.
She made the known during the 41st Regional Farmers’ Day celebration held in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
Hon. Ocloo revealed that registration is currently ongoing for farmers interested in receiving four-week-old chicks to enhance poultry production. She added that the Yeridua Initiative will provide vegetable farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, and extension services to increase productivity.
She further encouraged households, schools, and institutions to embrace home and institutional gardening as part of efforts to promote food self-sufficiency.
Highlighting progress in the fisheries sub-sector, the minister disclosed that farmers across the 29 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) collectively harvested 3,983.18 metric tons of fish this year.
She said, out of this, 2,828.2 metric tons were tilapia, with catfish accounting for 48.37% and shrimp 0.7%. She noted that the sector remains a critical contributor to food security and job creation in the region.
Hon. Ocloo also reported that 844 farms were visited as part of routine monitoring and support activities adding that more than 272 engagements were held with fishermen and fish farmers to educate them on fisheries laws, fish handling, and best aquaculture practices.
She emphasized that the newly passed Fisheries and Agriculture Act 2025 represents a major step toward ensuring sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources, reducing market leakages, and expanding agribusiness opportunities.
Underscoring the importance of market access, the minister announced three key interventions being rolled out in the region: a Quarterly Regional Food and Exhibition Fair to link farmers with processors and traders; the establishment of farmers’ markets to reduce post-harvest losses and bring consumers closer to affordable fresh produce; and enhanced support for agri-exports through the Etsema Harbour and Kotoka International Airport.
According to her, these measures will enable farmers to produce high-value foods, vegetables, poultry and fish for export, thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings and creating more jobs.
“As we honour our farmers today, let us remember that they are the backbone of our survival as a region and as a nation,” she said. “Without farmers, there is no food, no industry, no trade, no development.”
Hon. Ocloo reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting farmers through policies, training, inputs, mechanisation, improved market systems and extension services.
She urged farmers to continue working together to build a stronger and more productive agricultural sector.
Source: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha
