Africa Must Move ‘From Potential to Performance’ in Agrifood Transformation- Fisheries Minister
Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has called for bold action to transform Africa’s agrifood sector, urging the continent to shift “from potential to performance” rather than rely on small-scale pilot projects.
Speaking at the opening of the FAO 15th Regional Management Team Meeting in Accra on June 2, 2026, the Minister said Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, a youthful population and strong entrepreneurial drive. Yet she noted that hunger, poverty and climate shocks continue to undermine progress.
“Africa requires transformation, not incremental change or fragmented pilot projects,” she declared.
Hon. Arthur cited Ghana’s fish processing centre in Axim, developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as proof that targeted interventions can deliver real impact.
The facility, she said, has uplifted women fish processors and improved livelihoods in coastal communities.
She also highlighted the Blue Economy as a major untapped opportunity for Africa’s growth.
The Minister urged stronger regional cooperation, increased investment, and decisive action to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, which she described as a threat to food security and coastal economies.
Tackling Challenges
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, outlined the pressing structural challenges, including smallholder constraints, rising demand from population growth, value chain disruptions, and nutrition gaps.
He detailed Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme and Block Farming and Agricultural Transformation Agenda, designed to boost production, reduce imports, stabilise food prices, and modernise farming practices.
Dumelo stressed FAO’s critical role in helping countries move from fragmented interventions to scalable, evidence-based programmes aligned with FAO’s Four Betters, including better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
FAO’s Unified Approach
FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina reinforced the importance of efficiency, accountability, and coordination, noting that the “One FAO” approach is essential for coherent action.
Regional Representative Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel added that FAO’s effectiveness will be judged by its ability to support country offices, detect challenges early, and respond with urgency.
On June 2, 2026, Ghana became the stage for a pivotal conversation on Africa’s agricultural future as it hosted the 15th Regional Management Team Meeting (RMT15) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The gathering brought together FAO leadership, ministers, and subregional coordinators to chart a path toward stronger coordination and more efficient delivery of agrifood systems across the continent.
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