By Ewoenam Kpodo Ho, November 20, GNA - Prof Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Founder and Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, has...
By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, November 20, GNA - Prof Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Founder and Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, has stated that the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) should focus on achieving significant transformation instead of just incremental progress.
He emphasized that the FGP, the government's key program aimed at speeding up the transformation and modernization of the agricultural industry, should serve as a driving force for significant changes in the sector.
The head of Plant Molecular Genetics at the University of Ghana made this statement during his keynote speech at the Food, Agriculture, Technology, and Sustainability Conference held at Ho Technical University (HTU), which had the theme: “Reimagining the Future of Food and Its Related Systems in a Time of Sustainability and Circular Economy.”
FGP is a positive beginning, but Ghana requires transformation, not just another enhancement strategy. Our biggest chance lies in establishing an agriculture sector that is science-based, innovation-focused, and aligned with market demands.
He stated that the FGP must achieve success and not face failure, emphasizing that "if this fails, we are doomed for life," explaining that its success would lead to Ghana being self-sufficient in food, farmers producing for markets rather than mere survival, young people entering agribusiness in a profitable manner, implementing climate-resistant and data-informed farming practices, and Ghana becoming a net exporter instead of an importer.
A well-known plant geneticist and scientific leader proposed that actions be taken in a different manner to achieve the necessary transformation, such as increased scientific research, innovation, and advanced breeding techniques, improved seed systems and breeder seed channels, stable agricultural funding, effective irrigation and water management, and the use of data and digital technologies for informed decision-making.
Agriculture, as you are aware, plays a crucial role, but its growth has significantly declined over an extended period, with imports exceeding $2.5 billion. Upon further examination, it becomes clear that productivity is insufficient, and there are substantial post-harvest losses. Additionally, irrigation systems are inadequate, and access to financial resources is limited. We need to revitalize Ghana, and I am pleased that the current government is discussing the renewal of Ghana.
What is meant by resetting Ghana? Previous initiatives have not succeeded. Why did they not work? Poor implementation. Given poor implementation, what do you anticipate?
He advocated for forward-thinking investment, transforming knowledge into national strength by consistently funding science, technology, and innovation, stating, "The prosperity of countries is reflected in their research budgets."
Professor Danquah questioned why Ghana would wait for aircraft from Paris and Tel Aviv to deliver vegetable seeds to farmers for planting, and stated that it was time to begin holding politicians accountable for crimes against humanity "for failing to invest in science and technology, leading to deaths due to their inaction."
Prof (Mrs) Ibok N. Oduro, a keen researcher and professor specializing in Post-harvest Technology within the Department of Food Science and Technology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in her speech portrayed Ghana's food system as a tale of both "advancement and contradiction," highlighting that while there have been significant achievements, challenges related to food security, poverty, and sustainability remain.
She observed that the nation holds promise for agricultural development but must tackle issues such as climate change, restricted access to advanced farming methods, and inadequate market facilities, cautioning that "We cannot keep doing things the same way. We need to innovate not just in laboratories, but in policies, procedures, and attitudes."
Mr. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, expressed appreciation for the conference, stating that the knowledge shared, the experiences exchanged, and the discussions held during the event corresponded with the FGP initiative, which aims to enable Ghana to generate enough food to sustain its population and restructure the agriculture sector to ensure a continuous supply of raw materials for agro-industrial activities.
He confirmed the government's preparedness to deploy all available resources, both material and human, to create a difference, stating, "We possess the intellectual capacity, although we are not fully utilizing the potential we have."
Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, stated through his representative that the development of the agriculture sector cannot happen in isolation but needs a unified system that connects research, industry, students, startups, and decision-makers.
It demands that knowledge produced in universities and research centers is converted into practical technologies and marketable solutions that support farmers, agribusinesses, and families.
Dr. Marindame Kombate, a representative from the Ghana Circular Economy Centre, stated that the circular economy is not a peripheral discussion but essential to the future of Ghana's food and agricultural systems, urging, "Let us create a future where waste turns into value, innovation leads to opportunities, and a future where Ghana takes the lead in Africa's sustainable transformation."
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of HTU mentioned that the conference aligns with the university's goal of becoming a center for applied education, promoting sustainable global development, and highlighted its innovative research that cut down the baobab plant's gestation period from 20 to 30 years to just two and a half.
Furthermore, our specialized focus in hospitality and tourism management allows us to examine the connection between food systems and their supply chain. It's impossible to discuss hospitality without addressing food and agricultural technology and related areas.
Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, pledged to the Vice-Chancellor that the Regional Coordinating Council is prepared to work together with the university.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah and Christian Akorlie
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