Collins Sefa President Mahama Pushes Productive Economy Transformation
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a productive economic transformation in Ghana, placing horticulture at the center of this mission.
Speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 in Accra on June 11, 2025, Mahama stressed the need for bold investment, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships.
“Our goal is not just food security but economic security through agriculture… seek ye first the productive economy. Let us grow Ghana one fruit, one field, and one future at a time.”
Feed Ghana Initiative and Support for Young Farmers
To realize this, the President announced the renewal of the Feed Ghana Initiative (2025–2028). It will implement programs like ‘Yeridua’ (We Are Planting) Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics.
These initiatives aim to empower young people through training, financing, and mentoring, while addressing agricultural bottlenecks.
“For me, this is a moral and economic urgency. Can a nation prosper if the very hands that feed it remain neglected?” Mahama asked.
Horticulture as a Key Driver of Transformation
The Expo’s theme — “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector” — underscores its role in job creation, export growth, and economic diversification.
Davis Korboe, President of FAGE, described the Expo as “a grand orchestra of ideas and enterprise”, adding: “Post-harvest losses remain above 30%. The 24-Hour Economy policy lets us process, store, and export efficiently, day and night.”
He challenged financial institutions to move away from collateral-centric banking and back entrepreneurial initiatives. “Let’s bank on ideas and grow together.”
Local Initiatives to Foster Sector Transformation
Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Chairperson of the Expo, advocated for equity reforms and the expansion of local grocery franchises and smart agricultural systems.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) announced a Youth in Export Programme, designed to empower young people in agricultural communities to venture into export-oriented businesses.
Meanwhile, Kwaku Boateng, Vice President of the Coconut Federation Ghana, called for collaboration between stakeholders to maximize agricultural potential.
