Klutse Kudomor, an agribusiness consultant and development advocate, has called for a paradigm shift in Ghana's approach to agriculture, emphasising the need for the timely delivery of inputs, private sector participation, and a strategic focus on crops with a competitive advantage.

Mr Kudomor expressed concerns about persistent inefficiencies in agricultural input distribution, attributing these to bureaucratic bottlenecks and a lack of continuity in government policies.

He highlighted the critical role of a timely supply of quality seeds, fertilisers, and food inputs to farmers, warning that delays have contributed to reduced yields and food shortages in the country.

Building on past gains

Kudomor acknowledged the progress made under the Mahama administration, particularly the introduction of the Brazilian facility, which equipped Ghana’s agricultural sector with mechanisation resources. He noted that initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs programme effectively utilised these resources in its early stages.

However, he lamented the discontinuity of policies and the inefficiencies that arose when successive governments failed to build on these gains.

“The biggest problem we are facing is the lack of continuity. When one government changes a minister, it seems everything changes. This affects the delivery of inputs to farmers. For example, the complex computer systems designed to track input distribution have caused significant delays. Farmers in Bole Bamboi and other areas waited weeks for fertilisers that were stuck in warehouses due to these inefficiencies,” he said.

Private sector participation key to growth

Kudomor stressed that farming in Ghana must be private-sector-led, with government support creating an enabling environment for private players. He noted that private sector involvement would inject efficiency and innovation into the industry, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary inputs on time.

“We must prudently introduce private sector players into the industry. The Pisant Farmers Association and other groups are already positioned to drive this agenda. A 24-hour economy can be achieved if we empower private-sector players to take charge, ensuring food production reaches a logical conclusion,” Kudomor explained.

Focus on competitive advantage

The agribusiness consultant emphasised the need for Ghana to leverage its competitive advantage in the production of crops such as maize, sorghum, soybeans, and cowpeas. He argued that these crops are better suited to Ghana’s climatic conditions and offer significant export opportunities.

“Our comparative advantage is not in tomato production because the current heat environment and water availability lead to low yields and disease outbreaks. However, we have all it takes to produce maize from the South to the North. Similarly, crops like sorghum, soybeans, and cowpeas thrive in our conditions. We even export cabbage, pepper, and other vegetables to Burkina Faso in significant volumes. Let us focus on increasing our competitive edge in these areas,” he added.

Addressing food imports and trade balance

Kudomor criticised Ghana’s reliance on food imports, particularly maize, and called for measures to increase local production to meet domestic and export demands. He proposed that Ghana should aim to supply surplus food to neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, thereby improving the nation’s trade balance.

“We cannot continue to import maize when we have the potential to produce more than enough for local consumption and export. By focusing on maize, soybeans, and other viable crops, we can ensure that our balance of trade with neighbouring countries is favourable,” Kudomor stated.

Timely Input Supply as a Solution

To address the challenges of food shortages, Kudomor urged policymakers to prioritise the timely supply of inputs to farmers. He criticised the reliance on last-minute input distributions, often driven by political expediency, as counterproductive to achieving food security.

“Agriculture cannot work with paperwork while the season is passing. Inputs must reach farmers when they need them, not weeks or months later. Delays in fertiliser distribution, for instance, have led to poor yields, leaving warehouses stocked with unsold products instead of feeding hungry farmers. This must change,” he concluded.

A call for action

Kudomor’s remarks come at a critical time when Ghana is grappling with rising food prices and concerns about food security. His call for timely interventions, a strategic focus on competitive crops, and greater private sector involvement serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to address systemic challenges and unlock the country’s agricultural potential.

The future of Ghana’s agriculture, according to Kudomor, lies in efficiency, innovation, and continuity, which require a concerted effort from both the government and the private sector.