Gov’t Positions Agriculture as Anchor of 24-Hour Economy
Ghana has reiterated its commitment to strengthening agriculture and agribusiness as key drivers of economic transformation, industrialisation and job creation, with the government describing the sector as the anchor of its 24-Hour Economy policy.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 2nd West Africa Agri Show (WAAS) and the 3rd Annual National Livestock Day in Accra on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, said government was creating an enabling environment to attract investment into the agricultural value chain.
He said the interventions include tax incentives on agro-processing machinery and innovative financing mechanisms to de-risk investment.
Hon. Ahi positioned Ghana as a gateway to the 1.3 billion-person African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, noting that Africa’s food and agriculture market is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanisation, changing consumer preferences and expanding regional trade.
He, however, cautioned that the continent continues to depend heavily on food imports despite its vast agricultural potential, stressing the urgent need to shift from primary production to value addition and prosperity through stronger public-private partnerships.
The High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Mr Surinder Bhagat, on his part, reaffirmed India’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Ghana in agriculture, livestock and agro-processing.
He highlighted opportunities in animal health and veterinary services, dairy and poultry development, agro-processing and post-harvest management, as well as agricultural machinery and irrigation solutions.
Mr Bhagat encouraged Indian exhibitors to build long-term partnerships with Ghanaian businesses, with emphasis on local value addition, skills transfer and job creation.
The two-day event, organised by Azalix Business Media in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, brings together farmers, agribusinesses, technology providers, investors and other stakeholders from Ghana, India and across the region.
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