Hon. Eric Opoku Outlines Food Security Measures on UTV’s Adekye Nsroma

The Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced a series of comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s food security and enhancing local food production. Speaking on UTV’s Adekye Nsroma on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation against potential future food shortages.

According to Hon. Opoku, the Ministry is developing strategic plans to store sufficient quantities of food as a buffer in the event of famine or disruptions in the global food supply chain. He explained that Ghana must prepare proactively rather than reactively, noting that food security remains a top national priority.

He further revealed ongoing efforts to intensify the production of made-in-Ghana food items specifically tailored for school consumption. This initiative, he said, forms part of the broader strategy to strengthen the School Feeding Programme by ensuring consistent access to nutritious, locally produced foods.

Touching on recent misinformation regarding alleged harmful elements found in Ghanaian agricultural produce, Hon. Opoku dismissed the claims as misleading. He clarified that the report being referred to focused on certain isolated areas and should not be used to generalize or tarnish the image of the country’s agricultural sector. He urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading fear.

On commercial agriculture, the Minister announced that the government has secured contracts for the cultivation of chili pepper, encouraging farmers to take advantage of this opportunity. He added that false narratives about contaminants in Ghana’s crops only undermine the hard work of local farmers and should cease immediately.

Hon. Opoku also highlighted progress under the Nkoko Nkitikiti poultry initiative. He noted that the programme has expanded beyond chicks to include guinea fowls and is deliberately prioritizing single mothers to help them generate income and adequately support their dependents. The initiative aims to empower vulnerable households while boosting poultry production nationwide.

In an update on school agriculture projects, the Minister disclosed that the number of school farms has increased to 413, a significant milestone. This expansion is expected to support the school feeding agenda, promote practical agricultural learning, and reduce the financial burden on the programme.

Hon. Eric Opoku concluded by reminding the public that this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration will take place on December 5 in Ho, in the Volta Region. He encouraged Ghanaians to honour the contributions of farmers, who remain central to the country’s stability, growth, and food security.