Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda has received a major boost following government’s decision to procure 1,840 pieces of agricultural machinery and equipment from Belarus under the Feed Ghana Programme.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the order during the maiden Ghana-Belarus Business Forum in Minsk, describing it as a significant step toward modernising agriculture and increasing food production across the country.
According to the President, the equipment will be deployed to Farmer Service Centres being established nationwide to provide farmers with mechanisation services, technical support and modern farming solutions.
Major Boost for Farm Mechanisation
The procurement forms part of government’s broader efforts to transform agriculture through increased mechanisation, improved irrigation systems and modern farming technologies.
President Mahama said access to machinery remains one of the biggest challenges facing many farmers, adding that the new equipment will help improve efficiency and productivity across the agricultural sector.
The initiative is expected to reduce farmers’ dependence on manual labour while expanding access to modern farming services in rural communities.
Supporting the Feed Ghana Programme
Government launched the Feed Ghana Programme to boost agricultural production, strengthen food security and promote value addition within the sector.
Officials say the programme focuses on increasing crop yields, reducing post-harvest losses, expanding agro-processing and creating jobs throughout the agricultural value chain.
The establishment of Farmer Service Centres is expected to play a key role in achieving those objectives by providing equipment and technical assistance closer to farming communities.
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Expanding Ghana-Belarus Cooperation
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s partnership with Belarus extends beyond the purchase of agricultural machinery.
He said both countries are exploring cooperation in technology transfer, agricultural research, skills development, fertiliser production, poultry farming, aquaculture and agro-processing.
According to him, Belarus possesses extensive expertise in agricultural mechanisation and equipment manufacturing that could help accelerate Ghana’s agricultural development goals.
Agriculture at the Centre of Development Plans
The President reiterated that agriculture remains central to government’s economic development strategy and is critical to job creation, food security and industrial growth.
He stressed that improving productivity and modernising farming practices will help strengthen Ghana’s economy while improving livelihoods for farmers and rural communities.
Investment Opportunities Highlighted
During the forum, President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme, which seeks to attract investment into roads, railways, ports, airports, energy and logistics infrastructure.
He encouraged Belarusian companies to take advantage of investment opportunities in Ghana, describing the country as a stable and attractive destination for business.
The engagements were further strengthened through the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening trade relations, promoting technology transfer and expanding economic cooperation between Ghana and Belarus.
Government believes the latest machinery deal represents a major milestone in efforts to modernise agriculture, improve food production and support long-term economic growth.
