Mr Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has unveiled plans to establish a national seed bank in Ghana as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security, preserve crop diversity, and enhance agricultural productivity. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series Press Conference at the Presidency in Accra, Mr Opoku explained that the seed bank will collect, store, and research seeds from native plants and crops, ensuring genetic diversity, supporting conservation, and facilitating the development of new crop varieties.
He highlighted a €154 million investment by the Government of Italy in partnership with BF International, aimed at transforming large-scale commercial agriculture. The initiative includes a 10,000-hectare irrigated model farm producing rice, maize, soya, and tomato year-round. Additionally, CIHEAM Bari, an Italian government agency, will partner with WACCI to establish the national seed bank, while CSIR will implement a comprehensive soil testing and suitability programme.
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The Minister further noted that infrastructure development will accompany these projects, including schools, hospitals, ICT centres, and community facilities within the production enclaves.
In another collaboration, Almansour Holding of Qatar plans to invest $3.5 billion in a fertiliser production plant and fertiliser academy, alongside a $1.5 billion year-round food production initiative targeting exports to Qatar.
Mr Opoku also announced a new soya processing plant in Northern Ghana to convert soybeans into edible oil and soya cake for poultry feed, with a daily processing capacity of 40 metric tonnes at an estimated cost of $370,000. The project will guarantee markets for soya farmers in the northern region.
The Minister concluded by noting that the sod-cutting ceremony for these initiatives is scheduled for early 2026, signalling a major step forward in the government’s push for sustainable agricultural development and food security.
