Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, has unveiled a bold initiative to establish farms in every Senior High School across the country, aimed at promoting agricultural education, enhancing food security, and fostering self-sufficiency among students.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minister explained that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate practical agriculture into the education system and encourage young people to see farming as a viable and rewarding career path.

According to Mr Opoku, the school farms will enable institutions to produce their own food, significantly reducing dependence on external suppliers and improving both the quality and quantity of meals served to students.

“Students will take ownership of their schools’ food production, gaining a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency,” he said, adding that the hands-on farming experience will not only provide practical knowledge but also reshape negative perceptions about agriculture.

The Minister further highlighted that the steady supply of fresh produce from the farms will help address frequent food shortages and enhance the nutritional value of meals in schools.

“This initiative is a sustainable solution to food insecurity in our schools and a meaningful contribution to the long-term growth of the agricultural sector,” Mr. Opoku noted.

The government expects the programme to instil in students a deep appreciation for agriculture, while equipping them with valuable skills that could lead to future employment or entrepreneurship in the agribusiness space.