Agriculture needs structured system to boost output – Dr Acquaye

The Chief Executive Officer of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Godwin Acquaye, has called for a well-structured mechanism to boost crop production and strengthen food security in Ghana.

He said establishing organised aggregation hubs for farmers, particularly producers of tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables, would improve market access, ensure fair pricing, and make it easier for investors and businesses to engage with producers.

Dr Acquaye made the call during a panel discussion at the maiden National Market Actors’ Forum under the Transforming Households Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE 2030) project, held in Tamale.

According to him, targeted investment in smallholder farmers would expand production, enhance livelihoods, and reduce reliance on imports while supporting export growth.

He also underscored the need for improved climate information, urging the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) to provide timely and accurate rainfall data to guide farming decisions amid changing weather patterns.

Dr Acquaye noted that limited access to finance remains a major constraint, largely due to poor record-keeping and weak farm-level structures. “Without proper data on investment, production, and revenue, financial institutions are reluctant to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

The two-day forum, organised by World Vision Ghana under its THRIVE 2030 initiative and themed ‘Partnering for prosperity: Strengthening market linkages for all’, brought together producers, investors, processors, policymakers, and development partners to promote structured trading and inclusive growth.

Chief Executive Officer of Esoko Limited, Daniel Asare-Kyei, also highlighted data gaps and fragmentation within the sector as key barriers to financing, noting that agriculture is often perceived by banks as high risk.

Food Security and Livelihoods Technical Manager at World Vision, Mawxwell Amedi, said the initiative aims to strengthen resilience through technical support and programme delivery, while THRIVE 2030’s Director of Operations, Strategic Partnership and Integration, Angeline Munzara, explained the project’s role in expanding access to finance and skills to unlock economic potential.

Dr Acquaye further stressed that while Ghana has sound agricultural policies, weak implementation remains a challenge.

He urged the adoption of coordinated support systems, including land preparation, subsidised inputs, and mechanised harvesting, similar to models in other countries, to drive productivity and long-term sector growth.