NaSTAG calls for stronger policy, private sector collaboration in seed industry

The National Seed Traders Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has launched a year-long series of activities to mark its 10th anniversary during its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Wenchi in the Bono Region.

Executives of the country’s largest seed association explained that the celebrations will feature monthly activities, including stakeholder engagements, public awareness campaigns, field days, and an awards ceremony.

A commemorative anniversary logo was also unveiled during the AGM.

In a communiqué issued and signed by NaSTAG President Seidu Mubarak Abdulai at the end of the two-day AGM, the association said it was fitting to celebrate a decade of dedicated service to Ghana’s seed sector.

“Over the past 10 years, the association has recorded several landmark achievements that have strengthened the industry, including establishing seed traceability systems, developing a national seed producer catalogue, contributing to the National Seed Plan, and launching SeedLink, a platform that amplifies the voice of the seed sector in influencing policy decisions, among others,” the statement noted.

The communiqué added that the anniversary serves both as a celebration of a decade of impact and a springboard for future ambitions.

Call for Strengthened Collaboration

NaSTAG reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies and development partners to advance the seed sector.

Members of the association called on key government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, to support its contributions to national initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme.

They further urged strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and international partners, to jointly develop the seed sector through coordinated policy interventions, resource mobilisation, and technical support.

“Only through deeper and more intentional collaboration can Ghana achieve sustainable seed security, improved farmer livelihoods, and resilient agricultural systems,” the communiqué emphasised.

New Members Welcomed

NaSTAG officially welcomed four new members into the association during the AGM. The new members received certificates of membership, marking the continued growth of the association and its increasing appeal to seed traders across Ghana.

The expansion, the communiqué noted, demonstrates NaSTAG’s growing influence and the importance of collective action in advancing the seed industry.

The two-day AGM, held from 28th to 29th April 2026, featured deliberations on NaSTAG’s activities and a dedicated session with The African Seed Access Index (TASAI), a key partner, on the Ghana Seed Sector Assessment workshop.

The meeting brought together seed producers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Ghana’s seed sector, improving industry sustainability, and reinforcing governance structures to drive effective implementation of key initiatives.

The AGM was held on the theme: “Delivering Quality Seeds: The Anchor for the Prosperity of Feeding Ghana.”

Government partners also delivered goodwill messages and encouraged NaSTAG to build on its successes.