Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has urged Ghanaians to embrace backyard gardening as part of government’s efforts to make the country food-secure.
Speaking on TV XYZ’s Dwaboase programme, the minister said food production must be seen as a shared responsibility.
“Every Ghanaian should have a garden at home,” he stressed, adding that small household farms could ease the cost of feeding and reduce reliance on imports.
Mr. Opoku noted that Ghana has 13.9 million hectares of arable land and a vibrant youth population, yet spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports.
He described the situation as a paradox that undermines the country’s economic potential and deprives young people of sustainable jobs.
“If the $3 billion was in Ghana and we were using it for employment, we would be good,” he said.
The minister explained that President John Mahama has rolled out the Feed Ghana Policy, part of the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda.
The policy aims to boost local food production, cut imports, and build reserves that could even support exports.
He said the ultimate goal is to achieve food security while making agriculture attractive to both individuals and businesses.
As part of the campaign, Mr. Opoku encouraged households to grow basic crops such as pepper, onions, and garden eggs in their backyards.
He emphasised that while government will provide enabling policies and support, citizens must also contribute.
“Any Ghanaian who lives in a home should have a small garden in the backyard. This can help reduce the cost of feeding and make food more affordable,” he advised.
He further warned that when food prices remain high, poverty becomes widespread because food is an unavoidable expense.
The Feed Ghana initiative, he said, is therefore not just a government project but a call for mass participation in agriculture.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Piesie Okra
