Agric Sector Needs Strategic Investment, Not Handouts – Dr. Abu Sakara
Renowned agronomist and politician Dr. Abu Sakara Foster has called on the government to revolutionize its approach to the agricultural sector, treating it as a business rather than a charity. Speaking on Dominion TV Wake up Africa morning show with Korku Lumor, Dr. Sakara emphasized the need for long-term strategic investments across all sub-sectors of agriculture.
Ghana’s agricultural sector is a vital component of the country’s economy, employing approximately 50% of the workforce and contributing around 20% to the GDP. However, despite its importance, the sector has struggled to achieve real growth due to successive governments’ mishandling.
Dr. Sakara criticized the prevailing approach of providing free fertilizers and inputs to farmers, describing it as a “charity” mentality. He argued that this short-term solution fails to create a competitive marketplace for local producers, hindering the sector’s ability to attract investment and drive growth.
Dr. Sakara advocated for a paradigm shift in the government’s approach to agriculture, emphasizing the need for strategic investments across all sub-sectors; thus developing modern irrigation systems to increase crop yields and reduce dependence on rainfall, investing in agricultural machinery to enhance efficiency and productivity, creating a competitive marketplace for local producers to access domestic and international markets and funding research and development initiatives to improve crop varieties, disease resistance, and soil health.
Dr. Abu Sakara’s call to action emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to agriculture. By treating the sector as a business rather than a charity, Ghana can unlock its full potential, drive economic growth, and ensure food security for its citizens.
Dr. Sakara also called for an enabling environment for private investment in fertilizer production to reduce costs for farmers. He criticized the government’s preference for importers over local farmers, attributing it to political ties rather than economic strategy.
Ghana’s dependence on food imports remains high. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, rice accounted for 7.8% of total food imports in 2024, while the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) reports that the country imports $2 million worth of onions weekly.
Dr. Sakara believes that prioritizing local production over imports will strengthen the economy and ensure food security.
Wake Up Africa morning show on Dominion TV is currently Ghana’s Premier Morning Television Program. It’s the flagship show and hosted by the charismatic duo Korku Lumor and Precious Bia Dela. The Wake Up Africa morning show is revolutionizing how Ghanaians and Africans start their day.
The inspiring program sparks domestic and continental conversations with insightful discussions on current affairs, health, fitness, entertainment, and more. It airs weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 am GMT to promote Ghanaian and African culture, values, and talents.
With a strong focus on Africa’s geopolitical dynamics and impactful global/domestic stories, Wake up Africa distinguishes itself among African morning television programs.
Source: Sharon Frimpomaa Opoku
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