Ghana secures €154m Italian commercial space to enlarge large-scale industrial agriculture – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: Ghana’s Agricultural Transformation Through Strategic International Investment

In a landmark move to bolster food security and modernize its agricultural sector, Ghana has secured a €154 million commercial space through a collaboration with Italy’s Government of Italy, facilitated by BF International. This investment, announced by Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on November 24, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to expand large-scale industrial agriculture. The initiative aligns with the Mahama administration’s *Feed Ghana Programme*, a comprehensive strategy aimed at revolutionizing food production, reducing import dependency, and enhancing domestic exports. This article explores the implications of this €154 million infusion, its strategic components, and its potential to reshape Ghana’s agricultural landscape while addressing global challenges in food security.

Analysis: Breaking Down Ghana’s Agricultural Revitalization Plan

Strategic Partnership with Italy: A Model for Sustainable Development

The partnership between Ghana and Italy underscores a growing trend in international cooperation to address agricultural challenges. Italy’s contribution of a commercial space for a 10,000-hectare irrigated farm reflects a commitment to technology transfer and capacity building. This collaboration with BF International—a multinational firm specializing in agro-industrial projects—ensures expertise in large-scale farming operations, aligning with Ghana’s goal to integrate advanced agricultural practices.

Focus on Food Security: Addressing National and Regional Challenges

The launch of this project directly tackles Ghana’s food security concerns, particularly in light of fluctuating global markets and climate-related disruptions. By cultivating staple crops like rice, maize, soya, and tomatoes year-round, the initiative reduces vulnerability to external supply chains. This is critical given the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions that have exposed supply chain vulnerabilities in developing nations.

Technological and Agricultural Innovations: Building a Modern Farming Ecosystem

A cornerstone of this initiative is the establishment of a national seed bank in collaboration with CIHEAM Bari, an Italian research institute, and the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana. This effort aims to develop climate-resilient crop varieties, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Additionally, joint soil testing and land-suitability programs with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will optimize resource use, reducing waste and improving yields.

Summary: Key Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Ghana’s €154 million agricultural project represents a multifaceted approach to modernizing farming. Central to this initiative are:
– Establishment of a 10,000-hectare irrigated farm for year-round crop production.
– Development of a national seed bank to enhance crop resilience.
– Expansion of irrigation infrastructure, including rehabilitated dams and solar boreholes.
– Strategic partnerships to transfer Italian agricultural expertise.
The initiative not only targets 10,000 tonnes of rice seeds by 2027 but also aims to elevate Ghana’s agricultural sector to a global competitive standard, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Points: Highlighting the Project’s Milestones

• 10,000-hectare irrigated farm: Designed for rice, maize, soya, and tomatoes, ensuring diversified production.
• Seed bank initiative: Operated by CIHEAM Bari and WACCI to combat crop diseases and improve yield.
• Irrigation upgrades: Includes rehabilitation of Vea, Weta, and Tanoso schemes, supporting 2,000+ hectares of farmland.
• Solar boreholes: 250 installed across the North, Bono, and Ahafo regions to promote sustainable water access.
• Inland valleys: Development of four sites totaling 1,524 hectares to expand rice cultivation.
• Inflation reduction: Food inflation dropped from 61% (Jan 2023) to 9.5% (Oct 2025), reflecting program efficacy.
• International collaboration: Partnerships with South Korea’s Rural Cooperation (KRC) for an additional 100 hectares of irrigation land.

Practical Advice for Governments and Agricultural Stakeholders

1. **Leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):** Ghana’s model highlights the value of combining government funding with private-sector expertise to scale projects efficiently.
2. **Prioritize Climate-Resilient Crops:** Invest in research to develop seed varieties suited to local conditions, minimizing crop failure risks.
3. **Expand Irrigation Networks:** Focus on renewable energy-powered infrastructure, such as solar-powered pumps, to ensure sustainable water access.
4. **Strengthen Seed Systems: Establish regional seed banks to preserve biodiversity and improve germination rates.
5. **Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly assess project milestones to adapt strategies and address emerging challenges.

Points of Caution: Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

1. Over-Reliance on Foreign Partnerships: While Italian collaboration is beneficial, dependency could pose challenges if geopolitical dynamics shift. Mitigation: Diversify funding sources and build local expertise.
2. Environmental Impact: Large-scale irrigation requires careful planning to avoid groundwater depletion or soil degradation. Mitigation: Implement sustainable practices and restore native ecosystems.
3. Policy Instability: Political changes could disrupt long-term agricultural plans. Mitigation: Enact legislation to safeguard ongoing projects against leadership transitions.
4. Market Access Barriers: Increased production must be paired with infrastructure (e.g., storage, processing facilities) to prevent post-harvest losses.

Comparison: Ghana’s Approach vs. Regional and Global Models

Ghana vs. Kenya: Divergent Agricultural Strategies

While Kenya’s *National Agricultural and Livestock Industrialization Policy* focuses on mechanization and market access, Ghana’s approach emphasizes foreign collaboration and renewable energy integration. Both strategies aim for self-sufficiency but differ in their reliance on external partners vs. domestic innovation.

Global Inspiration: EU’s Farm to Fork vs. Ghana’s Self-Sufficiency Drive

The EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy prioritizes sustainability and reducing environmental footprints, whereas Ghana’s project centers on rapid scale-up and export growth. However, both emphasize the importance of public-private partnerships and climate-smart practices.

Legal Implications: Foreign Investment in Ghana’s Agricultural Sector

The €154 million project involves cross-border financial agreements and regulatory frameworks governing foreign investment. Key considerations include:
– **Land Ownership Laws:** In Ghana, only Ghanaians can own land, but leasing arrangements are permitted for foreign entities. This must be clearly defined in contracts to avoid disputes.
– **Environmental Regulations: Compliance with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines is mandatory for irrigation projects.
– **Tax Incentives: Italy’s contribution may qualify for tax breaks under Ghana’s **National Investment Promotion Act (2013)**, encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Africa’s Agricultural Future

Ghana’s €154 million industrial agriculture project exemplifies how strategic partnerships and visionary policy can transform food systems. By combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and regional collaboration, the country is setting a precedent for other African nations seeking to achieve food security and economic resilience. As the world grapples with climate change and population growth, Ghana’s model offers a template for balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

FAQ: Common Questions About Ghana’s Agricultural Initiative

What is the purpose of the €154 million investment?

The funds aim to expand industrial agriculture, ensuring year-round production of staple crops to reduce food imports and enhance exports.

How will the seed bank benefit Ghanaian farmers?

The seed bank will provide access to climate-resilient crop varieties, improving yields and reducing financial losses from pests and diseases.

What role does Italy play in this initiative?

Italy contributes technical expertise and funding through its partnership with BF International, supporting infrastructure development and training programs.

How many solar boreholes are planned, and where will they be located?

A total of 329 solar-powered boreholes will be installed—250 across the North, Bono, and Ahafo regions, and 79 in northern districts by 2026.

What is the target rice production milestone for 2027?

Ghana plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of high-quality rice seeds domestically by 2027, aiming for self-sufficiency in seed production.

Sources: References and Further Reading

1. Office of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ghana (2025). *Feed Ghana Programme Details*.
2. Government of Italy. (2025). *Partnership with Ghana for Agricultural Development*.
3. West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana.
4. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana.
5. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2025). *Global Soil Partnership Framework*.

This structured, SEO-optimized rewrite maintains the original article’s intent while offering deeper insights into Ghana’s agricultural strategy, ensuring relevance for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and global development experts.