President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana to invest in local agricultural technology, stressing that the country cannot achieve meaningful agricultural transformation while relying heavily on imported machinery and systems.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 at the Black Star Square, President Mahama said agriculture must be repositioned as a driver of economic growth, industrial development, and job creation.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 on Tuesday March 17, 2026, Mr. Mahama said agriculture must be repositioned from a subsistence activity to a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and export development.
“Agriculture is not merely about cultivation. It is about productivity, value addition, industrial development, jobs, exports, and increasingly, technology and innovation,” he stated.
He noted that the future of agriculture lies in modernising the entire value chain, from production to processing, packaging, logistics, and global marketing.
The President underscored the importance of supporting local manufacturers of agricultural machinery and agro-processing equipment, describing it as a strategic necessity.
“Supporting Ghanaian manufacturers of agricultural machinery and agro-processing equipment is not simply an industrial policy choice; it is a strategic economic necessity,” Mahama said.
He explained that investing in local agritech production would strengthen Ghana’s industrial base, create skilled jobs for the youth, reduce import dependence, and retain more value within the economy.
Mahama further indicated that government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme and other agricultural investment strategies are focused on improving productivity, expanding agro-processing capacity, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
