In a major step toward enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has officially launched a US$1 million revolving fund aimed at supporting smallholder farmers in the country’s northern regions.
The fund, established in partnership with ARB Apex Bank, was announced at a ceremony held in Accra. The initiative is backed by a US$20 million grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP), with additional support from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking at the event, Eric Opoku lauded the programme for its substantial contribution to Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone. He also expressed gratitude to the AfDB for its ongoing efforts in advancing sustainable agricultural development in the country.
“This initiative is not merely about financial assistance; it is about building sustainable and resilient food systems that will uplift the livelihoods of our communities,” the Minister stated.
The program targets 12 districts across six regions and is designed to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers, with a special focus on women and youth—groups disproportionately affected by food insecurity.
Key components of the project include:
Access to climate-smart agricultural inputs for staple crops such as maize, rice, soybean, cowpea, and groundnuts.
Improved mechanization services through the provision of handheld equipment.
Distribution of solar-powered micro-irrigation kits to facilitate year-round vegetable farming.
Promotion of household poultry farming to enhance nutritional diversity.
Establishment of the US$1 million revolving fund, providing affordable financial services to actors along the agricultural value chain.
The revolving fund is expected to provide much-needed capital at competitive interest rates, helping farmers and agribusinesses scale operations, improve productivity, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
