Support PFJ2:Agric Minister Calls on Financial Institutions for Mutual Benefit and Sector Growth

By: Emmanuel Owusu Danso

During a recent presidential breakfast meeting on agriculture and agribusiness financing, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, highlighted the opportunities available for financial institutions to participate in the Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program. The meeting, held at Kempinski Hotel in Accra, aimed to raise awareness about the potential of the agriculture sector in contributing to the development goals of the country.

Dr. Bryan emphasized the Ministry’s efforts in understanding the potential and challenges of the agriculture sector over the past six months. The sector has shown immense potential, including abundant arable land, suitable areas for rice production, fertile soils, water resources for irrigation, favorable weather conditions, a diverse range of food commodities, export markets, and job creation opportunities along the agriculture value chain.

The PFJ 2 program is the second phase of the government’s flagship program, Planting for Food and Jobs, which was launched in 2017. Dr. Bryan acknowledged the significance of leading the charge to transform Ghana’s agriculture through this new strategy since assuming office.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector, such as drought, floods, pests, and diseases, Dr. Bryan also highlighted self-inflicted factors that hinder agricultural growth and development. These include misplaced priorities, weak policy implementation, limited infrastructure, undeveloped supply chains, price volatility, low market standards, limited evidence-based policies, insufficient support for commercial farming, and a general lack of appreciation for the sector’s potential.