Ghana Minister Warns of GHS2 Billion Annual Poultry Import Bill

Ghana's food system requires immediate transformation. Minister of State Seidu Issifu stated this on Monday in Accra. He warned that climate change, climbing food imports, and worsening health conditions pose grave risks. These threats endanger Ghana's economic and social progress.

Mr. Issifu spoke at a food system resilience workshop. He emphasized that transforming the food system is a national necessity. Growing imports and environmental damage weaken the nation. He stressed that these issues threaten development across the country.

Ghana's economy heavily relies on agriculture. The sector provides jobs for one-third of its citizens. It also contributes about 19 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. However, farming faces increasing climate change threats. This makes the sector vulnerable to instability.

A major concern is Ghana's reliance on imported food. The nation spends over GHS2 billion annually on poultry imports alone. This situation weakens the country's ability to feed itself. It also drains valuable resources from rural areas. Foreign exchange reserves face significant pressure. Every imported tonne represents lost local production. It also means less employment for Ghanaians.

Climate change also impacts staple crops severely. Weather pattern shifts make cassava and yam vulnerable. Yields are already falling in some districts. Projections show severe crop failures in Northern Ghana. These are not future worries. They are current problems demanding swift action.

Beyond production, Ghana faces interconnected challenges. Agriculture and land use cause about 44.6 percent of emissions. Livestock production adds to methane levels. Environmental damage, like water pollution, harms health. Forest loss also impacts ecosystems.

Ghana also grapples with dual health burdens. Undernutrition persists in some regions. At the same time, non-communicable diseases rise. Conditions like hypertension are increasing. This places extra strain on the healthcare system. These hidden costs are unsustainable.

Despite these difficulties, the food system offers great potential. Scientific evidence supports pathways for improvement. Ghana can boost nutrition and resilience. Rural livelihoods can be strengthened. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. Diversified, climate-smart agriculture is key. This approach creates more value and resilience. It is not about limiting choices. It is about expanding opportunities. It strengthens local businesses. It prepares the food system for future challenges.

Ghana can lead regionally in food system reform. Reducing import dependence is vital. Strengthening food security is a goal. Protecting public health is important. Creating sustainable jobs is necessary. Stakeholders must move beyond discussion. They need to develop implementable solutions. This workshop aims for practical outcomes.

Mr. Issifu called for coordinated action. Food system resilience requires collaboration. Sectors like agriculture, health, and finance must work together. Local governments are also crucial. Farmers and the private sector play key roles. Development partners provide essential support. Ambition combined with practicality is needed.