Agribusiness consultant Klutse Kudomor, with decades of expertise in Nestlé Central and West Africa and Ghana’s Agricultural Sector Investment Programme, has issued a clarion call for Ghana to revolutionize its agricultural sector. Speaking in the Volta Region, Kudomor unveiled a transformative vision of how agriculture could lift millions out of poverty, drastically cut food imports, and propel Ghana into a new era of economic independence and prosperity.
A Bold Vision for Ghana’s Agriculture
According to Kudomor, Ghana sits on an untapped agricultural goldmine capable of feeding the nation and generating significant export revenue. He identified rice and coconut as priority crops with the potential to spark an agricultural revolution.
“The Volta Region alone has the capacity to produce enough rice to feed the entire country and even export the surplus. Yet, Ghana imports millions of dollars’ worth of rice every year. This must stop,” he asserted.
Kudomor described coconut farming as another untapped resource. With its increasing global demand for coconut oil, water, and related products, he urged policymakers to scale up coconut plantations and integrate them into a vibrant agro-processing industry.
“We have the climate, the land, and the people to make this work. Investing in these crops is not just about farming—it’s about creating an entire value chain of jobs, from cultivation to processing and export,” he explained.
Aquaculture: A Hidden Gem in Ghana’s Economy
The consultant also pointed to aquaculture as a game-changer, particularly in water-abundant regions like the Volta. He highlighted the efforts of local entrepreneurs like Mr Dansu, who produce fingerlings to support fish farming, as models that could be scaled up nationally.
“Our water bodies are underutilized assets. With proper investments in aquaculture, we can produce fish to feed our people and export to international markets. This would create jobs not just for fishermen but for women and youth in related industries,” Kudomor stated.
He emphasized that sustainable aquaculture could tackle food insecurity while generating income for communities and reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported fish.
Transforming Infrastructure to Unlock Agricultural Potential
Kudomor lamented the poor state of infrastructure in rural farming communities, describing it as a major barrier to agricultural development.
“In my own village, we had to construct roads and build schools ourselves. How can farmers transport their produce to markets without good roads? How can children dream of becoming agricultural entrepreneurs without access to quality education?” he asked.
He argued that addressing infrastructure challenges, such as building roads, schools, and storage facilities, is critical to creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
Agriculture as the Backbone of Job Creation
Kudomor painted a compelling picture of agriculture’s potential to create jobs across multiple sectors.
“Agriculture is not just about farming—it’s the engine of our economy. It creates jobs in transport, processing, retail, and beyond. When agriculture thrives, every other sector benefits,” he explained.
He urged the government to prioritize youth participation in agriculture, describing it as a sector ripe with opportunities for the younger generation.
“We must make agriculture attractive to our youth by modernizing it. With mechanization, technology, and access to credit, farming can be both profitable and dignified,” he added.
Reducing Import Dependency and Building Self-Sufficiency
Kudomor also called for a strategic approach to reduce Ghana’s dependence on food imports, particularly rice.
“We are spending millions importing what we can grow. This is draining our economy. The Volta Region alone can produce enough rice to meet our national demand. Imagine the impact if we invested in local production instead of imports,” he argued.
He acknowledged that certain imports are inevitable but insisted that Ghana must focus on crops where it has a competitive advantage.
“It’s time to shift our mindset and invest in what we can grow and produce locally. This is how we build a resilient economy,” he emphasized.
A Call to Action for the Next Government
Kudomor challenged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political stakeholders to make agriculture a national priority. He proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes investing in infrastructure, mechanization, value chains, and policies to attract private sector investment.
“The next government must treat agriculture as the lifeblood of our economy. Develop the rice industry, expand coconut farming, and support aquaculture. These are the keys to creating jobs, reducing poverty, and positioning Ghana as an agricultural powerhouse,” he stated.
The Path to a Prosperous Ghana
Kudomor’s vision is both ambitious and achievable. By leveraging its natural resources, investing in modern farming techniques, and building robust value chains, Ghana can unlock its agricultural potential and secure economic independence.
“Ghana does not lack the resources or the talent. What we lack is the vision and the will to act. Agriculture is our path to prosperity, and the time to act is now,” he concluded.
The Stakes Are High
Kudomor’s rallying cry is a wake-up call for Ghana’s leaders and citizens alike. With agriculture offering the promise of food security, job creation, and economic transformation, it is clear that the sector holds the key to a brighter future. Whether this potential is realized will depend on bold actions and strategic investments in the years to come.
