The Ghanaian government has unveiled plans to deploy 5,000 agricultural and veterinary graduates to farms nationwide, aiming to modernize farming practices and boost productivity under its Feed Ghana program.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and on-the-ground farming techniques while addressing unemployment among graduates, many of whom have remained jobless since 2015.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku announced the measure during a briefing, emphasizing its role in transforming the sector into a “resilient, efficient, and modern” industry. “These graduates will be critical in introducing advanced, research-based methods to local farmers,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure agricultural innovations reach every farm, enhancing yields and sustainability.”
The graduates, drawn from institutions such as agricultural colleges and veterinary schools, will work as extension officers, providing direct support to farmers in adopting improved seed varieties, efficient irrigation practices, and pest management strategies. The program aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on food imports by strengthening domestic production.
In a related development, Ghana received 300 tonnes of high-yield rice seeds from the Korea Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (KOPIA), a research agency affiliated with South Korea’s government. The seeds, tailored to local soil conditions, will be distributed to farmers ahead of the northern planting season in May. Additional maize seeds certified for optimal performance will also be supplied to key regions.
The Feed Ghana program coincides with rising national concerns over food security and climate-related farming challenges. By integrating graduates into rural communities, the government aims to curb youth unemployment while equipping farmers with tools to mitigate erratic weather patterns and soil degradation. Similar initiatives in neighboring countries, such as Nigeria’s youth agribusiness programs, have reported mixed success, underscoring the importance of sustained funding and infrastructure support.
Ghana’s agricultural sector, which employs nearly 40% of the population, remains pivotal to its economic stability. Analysts note that while deploying skilled graduates could address systemic knowledge gaps, long-term impact will depend on consistent policy execution and private-sector collaboration. The initiative also highlights shifting priorities in West Africa, where governments increasingly view agriculture as a catalyst for job creation and technological adaptation in rural economies.
As planting season approaches, stakeholders will monitor the program’s rollout, particularly in northern Ghana, where climate vulnerabilities and limited access to modern tools have historically constrained output. Success could set a precedent for regional strategies aiming to balance food security, employment, and sustainable farming in an era of global economic uncertainty.
