Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Decries $2 Billion Annual Food Import Bill

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has expressed deep concern over Ghana’s heavy reliance on food imports, revealing that the country spends more than $2 billion annually to bring in food items that could easily be cultivated locally. She described the situation as “unacceptable and economically unsustainable,” calling for an immediate policy shift to strengthen local agricultural production.

Speaking during a regional engagement with farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and local authorities in the Central Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that the current import dependence reflects a deep-seated structural problem in Ghana’s agricultural system — one that requires bold leadership, innovation, and investment to correct.

“Ghana spends over two billion dollars every year importing food — rice, poultry, tomatoes, cooking oil, and other staples that we can grow right here in our own soil. This must change,” she stated. “We cannot continue to export our jobs, drain our foreign reserves, and weaken our farmers’ confidence when we have fertile lands and capable people.”

The Vice President’s comments come amid renewed debates about food security and the government’s long-term agricultural policies. With global food prices fluctuating and climate change threatening productivity, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana’s dependence on imports has become a national vulnerability that puts both the economy and livelihoods at risk.

She noted that while the country has made some progress through initiatives such as Planting for Food and Jobs, the pace of transformation remains too slow to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“Our farmers need more than slogans; they need real support — access to affordable credit, modern technology, irrigation, storage facilities, and guaranteed markets for their produce,” she asserted. “Agriculture should not just be about survival; it should be about prosperity.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further revealed that key commodities like rice, poultry, and tomatoes account for a major portion of the import bill, draining foreign exchange reserves and creating a trade imbalance that stifles local industries. She proposed an integrated food production strategy focused on empowering local farmers, supporting agro-processors, and modernizing value chains.

According to data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana imports over $500 million worth of rice, $300 million in poultry products, and over $200 million in tomato paste annually. Local production has been constrained by issues such as limited access to mechanization services, poor infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and inconsistent government support.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that reversing this trend will require strong partnerships between government, private investors, and research institutions. She cited countries like Senegal and Rwanda, which have made significant strides in food self-sufficiency through well-structured national agricultural investment plans.

“We must take inspiration from nations that have turned their agriculture into engines of growth. Ghana can do the same if we invest wisely and remain committed,” she said. “We should not be importing what we can produce. Every cedi we spend on imported food is a cedi we take away from our farmers.”

She also hinted at plans to revive agricultural training colleges, improve extension services, and promote youth participation in agribusiness through digital tools and innovation. The Vice President underscored the importance of climate-smart agriculture, explaining that sustainable farming techniques can increase yields while protecting the environment.

“The youth must see agriculture not as punishment, but as opportunity. With the right technology, farming can be profitable, modern, and dignified,” she added.

Agricultural economists have long warned that Ghana’s import bill is undermining its food sovereignty and weakening the cedi. Experts estimate that with adequate investment in irrigation and post-harvest management, Ghana could reduce food imports by at least 40% within five years.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s remarks have since drawn praise from industry players, who see them as a call to action. The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and Ghana National Poultry Farmers Association have both called for urgent implementation of practical measures to localize food production.

PFAG Executive Director, Dr. Charles Nyaaba, noted that the Vice President’s comments highlight the disconnect between policy formulation and on-the-ground realities.

“Our farmers have the capacity, but they need predictable policies. If government institutions buy local produce for schools, hospitals, and the army, farmers will have ready markets. That’s the kind of change we need,” he said.

Similarly, poultry farmers have appealed for a ban or reduction in imported chicken to protect local producers, suggesting that strategic import substitution could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually while creating thousands of jobs.

Meanwhile, trade analysts argue that cutting food imports will also ease pressure on the country’s currency and foreign reserves, strengthening Ghana’s economic stability.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our economy, and food importation is draining our national strength. Prof. Naana’s statement is both timely and urgent,” said Dr. Kwame Mensah, an agricultural policy researcher at the University of Ghana.

As Ghana grapples with inflation, unemployment, and exchange rate volatility, the push for food self-sufficiency is gaining fresh momentum. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded her remarks by urging collective responsibility from all sectors of society — farmers, investors, researchers, and consumers alike.

“Food security is national security. We must all be part of the solution. Let’s buy Ghanaian, eat Ghanaian, and grow Ghanaian. That’s how we build resilience,” she said.

Her message has since resonated across the agricultural and economic sectors, sparking renewed national discussion on how Ghana can reclaim control over its food systems and reduce dependence on foreign imports through innovation, policy reform, and grassroots empowerment.

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