Agric Ministry launches $1m fund to boost food security in Northern Ghana

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has launched a US$1 million revolving fund in partnership with ARB Apex Bank.

The fund, backed by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is part of a broader US$20 million grant aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience in Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone.

Addressing a brief ceremony at the Ministry on Tuesday, April 16, Minister Opoku expressed deep appreciation to GAFSP and AfDB for their continuous support in Ghana’s agricultural development journey.

“This initiative is not merely about financial assistance; it is about building sustainable and resilient food systems that will uplift the livelihoods of our communities,” he said.

The program will target 12 districts across six regions, focusing on vulnerable groups including women and youth, and is expected to impact a significant number of smallholder farmers.

Key components of the project include:

Access to climate-smart inputs for key staple crops such as maize, rice, soybean, cowpea, and groundnuts.
Agricultural mechanization support, including handheld equipment.
Solar-powered micro-irrigation kits for off-season vegetable production.
Support for household poultry production to improve nutrition.
Financial support through the revolving fund at competitive interest rates for value chain actors.

The Ministry emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to build climate-resilient agriculture and promote inclusive rural development.

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