The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has pledged government support for P&A African Food International Limited to expand its maize, cassava, egg and palm processing operations.

Speaking after touring the company's processing facility in Accra, Mr Opoku said the establishment of more processing plants across the country would help address market challenges faced by farmers.

“If we can have five or ten of these facilities in our country, the farmers will not be crying for lack of market for their produce,” he said.

The minister described the company's egg processing operations as particularly important, noting that local egg producers have faced difficulties finding markets for their products.

He referenced challenges encountered by some poultry farmers who attempted to export eggs to Burkina Faso, adding that local processing would create jobs while reducing dependence on external markets.

Mr Opoku disclosed that a government-supported programme with German backing has made more than GH¢150 million available for processors. He indicated that P&A African Food International Limited requires up to GH¢84 million to operate its facilities at full capacity.

“We will meet immediately to make some resources available for you to operationalise all the machines,” he said.

The minister linked the planned support to the government's 24-hour economy agenda, stressing the importance of value addition in the agricultural sector.

He noted that Ghana possesses the resources needed to process its agricultural produce locally but often exports raw materials without adding value.

Mr Opoku also encouraged the media to promote locally manufactured food products, citing the country's annual food import bill of about $3 billion.

He said increased patronage of locally produced goods would support business growth and create employment opportunities.

The minister further described agriculture as a sector with strong economic potential, stating that investment in agriculture generates significant benefits across the wider economy.