The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, has presented 500 motorbikes to agricultural extension officers across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen extension services and boost food production.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Accra, the Minister outlined the urgent need to reform Ghana’s agricultural sector, citing high food imports and rising food prices as a major concern.

Mr Opoku described the current state of agriculture as “not palatable,” noting that Ghana spends over $2 billion monthly on food imports.

He revealed that food inflation, which had peaked at 61% before the current administration took office, has now been reduced to 32%.

“When food prices rise, it’s a clear indication that many people are being pushed into abject poverty,” Mr. Opoku stated.

“The question we must ask ourselves is: with all the resources and potential we have, why are we still unable to produce enough food to feed ourselves and even export to other countries?”

The Minister described Ghana’s agricultural landscape as a paradox, blaming weak food systems for the country’s continued dependence on imports.

He announced comprehensive reforms aimed at fortifying the sector, including investments in modern soil testing equipment and the rehabilitation of the Kumasi Soil Laboratory, which is set to become the first of its kind in the sub-region.

“We are ending the blanket application of fertilisers that has failed to increase productivity.

Through support from FAO and AGRA, we are equipping our institutions to test soil quality, fertiliser efficacy, and seed viability before they are used on our farms,” he explained.

In addition, Mr. Opoku highlighted the formation of 42,822 registered farmer cooperatives across the country, aimed at organising farmers into structured groups for easier access to education, financing, and markets.

“With cooperatives in place, farmers can access credit, receive targeted training, and have stronger bargaining power,” he said.

A major challenge, however, remains the shortage of extension officers, with Ghana’s current ratio standing at one officer serving close to 1,500 farmers—far above the international standard of 500 farmers per officer.

To address this, the Ministry is not only recruiting Feed Ghana Coordinators but also equipping extension officers with the necessary tools to reach farmers.

Today, we are handing over the first batch of 150 motorbikes out of the 500 procured.

Thirty of these have gender-friendly specifications to support our female extension officers,” Mr. Opoku announced.

The Minister emphasised the importance of using the motorbikes responsibly to ensure that rural farmers, especially in hard-to-reach areas, benefit directly from government interventions.

“With these motorbikes, you will be mobile, you will be accessible, and you will be effective.

Together, we can build a strong agricultural sector capable of feeding our people and our industries to support the 24-hour economy,” Mr. Opoku concluded.

The presentation ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, farmer representatives, and development partners.