Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the critical importance of food security, describing food as the most fundamental necessity of life—above clothing and shelter.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Vice President emphasized that Ghana, situated within the tropics, possesses immense agricultural potential that must not be underutilized.
“Food is the first basic necessity of life. Without it, survival becomes uncertain,” she stated. “We live in a region where almost everything can grow. There is no justification for failing to produce our own food, rear livestock, and meet our essential needs.”
She commended the Ministry for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural base and reduce reliance on imports, stressing that true independence cannot be achieved while the nation continues to import food it can produce locally.
“You are not independent when you live in a land capable of feeding itself yet depend on imports. That must become a thing of the past,” she added.
The Vice President also praised the role of women in agriculture and acknowledged initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women in distress, to become economically self-reliant.
She encouraged a nationwide shift in mindset, urging citizens to contribute in whatever capacity they can—even at the smallest scale. “If all you can do is grow pepper or spices in a flower pot, you are still contributing to national food security,” she noted.
Highlighting the importance of research and innovation, she called for stronger collaboration with institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, stressing that their extensive research outputs must be better utilized to improve agricultural productivity.
She further applauded initiatives like farmer service centres and the local production of agricultural machinery, noting that such efforts not only enhance efficiency but also create opportunities for graduates of technical institutions to apply their skills meaningfully.
The Vice President urged stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions and signed agreements, and instead focus on practical implementation and accountability to achieve tangible results.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, she assured the Ministry of continued support and collaboration. “We are proud of the work you are doing. We are here to support you and to be part of your team. That is why we chose to come here—to engage directly and deepen our partnership,” she said.
Story by: George Osei-Akoto Addae (Teacher Kojo) #ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com