Aug 12, 2026
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a grant of $18.8 million to the Government of Ghana for the implementation of the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains (REWARD) Project.
The project aims to boost domestic rice production, strengthen food security, and create jobs across the agricultural value chain. It will support efforts to increase rice productivity, improve market systems, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on rice imports, while enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced rice.
Agriculture remains central to Ghana’s economy, supporting livelihoods and contributing significantly to food security. However, domestic rice production has not kept pace with rising demand, leaving the country to rely on imports and exposed to global price volatility.
Background
The REWARD project seeks to address these challenges through investments in climate-resilient rice production systems, improved access to quality inputs and mechanization, and enhanced irrigation and land development in key production areas.
The initiative will also support the modernisation of rice processing facilities, strengthen market linkages, and promote greater private sector participation across the rice value chain.
Implementation will focus on selected districts within Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone, an area with significant agricultural potential where productivity remains constrained by climate risks, inadequate infrastructure, and weak market integration.
“This project will help strengthen Ghana’s rice value chain by increasing productivity, improving market access, and supporting agribusiness development,” said Halima Hashi Country Manager, Ghana Country Office, African Development Bank Group. “By investing in climate-resilient agriculture, the initiative will contribute to food security, job creation, and more inclusive economic growth.”
The REWARD project aligns with Ghana’s national development priorities, including its agricultural transformation and food security agenda under the Feed Ghana Programme. It also supports the African Development Bank’s strategic priorities of climate-resilient agriculture, private sector development, and inclusive growth, while contributing to broader regional efforts to strengthen food systems and resilience across West Africa.
Source: https://3news.com
Aug 7, 2026
The North East Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has cautioned residents, farmers, herdsmen, and all persons living in flood-prone areas to evacuate to higher grounds as the Bagre Dam is set to be spilled into Ghana.
According to NADMO, the spillage by SONABEL Burkina Faso will begin on Tuesday, 11th August 2026.
This is expected to affect flood-prone areas in the North East, Upper East, Northern, and Savannah Regions
In a press release, the North East Regional Office of NADMO stated, “The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), North East Regional Office, wishes to inform the general public that authorities responsible for the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso have officially notified Ghana that the Bagré Dam will be spilled from Tuesday, 11th August, 2026.”
The statement added, “The spillage is expected to increase the volume of water flowing downstream into Ghana through the White Volta River and its tributaries. Communities located along riverbanks and flood-prone areas may experience rising water levels, which could result in flooding.”
NADMO, therefore, strongly advised all residents, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, and persons living or working along riverbanks and low-lying areas to take the following precautionary measures:
Evacuate from flood-prone areas to safer locations before floodwaters arrive. Do not farm, fish, graze animals, or undertake any activity within river channels and floodplains. Remove valuables, food items, livestock, and farm equipment from areas likely to be affected.
Avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, streams, or bridges, and Farmers along the riverbanks are advised to harvest their farm produce early where necessary before the dam is spilled.
Follow all safety instructions issued by NADMO, Security Services, and District Assemblies. NADMO is also urging all District Offices to step up public education and community sensitisation.
“District NADMO Offices across the North East Region have been directed to intensify public education and community sensitisation, especially in communities situated along the White Volta and other vulnerable waterways.”
Source: https://asaaseradio.com
Aug 7, 2026
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will begin to award scholarships to 3,000 wards of cocoa farmers from the next academic season as part of a broader welfare system to the cocoa industry. Ghana economic reports
The scheme is expected to cover 9,000 students by the third year.
As a marked departure from the previous scheme run by the board, the new scholarship arrangement will not benefit staff of the company. The greater part of beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme will be agriculture and related study students, with particular emphasis on those in the colleges of agriculture.
At a sensitisation programme for media personnel on the new Ghana COCOBOD Bill, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the COCOBOD, Dr Ransford Abbey, said the scheme would be restricted to the wards of cocoa farmers. He said a technical committee of people with knowledge in the education sector would be set up to preside over the qualification criteria for the scholarship scheme to ensure fairness in the process. The scheme for tertiary students, Dr Abbey explained, would replace the previous scheme that catered for the educational needs of wards of cocoa farmers in secondary schools until the free senior high school policy intervened.
“We expect to start with 3,000 students. What it means is that by the next year, the number will hit 6,000. By the third year, we’ll now have 9,000 (students). So, what it means is that we’ll be having, by year three, about 9,000 wards of cocoa farmers enjoying this scholarship. So, we’re just going by the no-stress-free policy: what government pays, and then we’ll give a stipend in addition to support them,” Dr Abbey said.
The Ghana COCOBOD Bill, 2026, which is awaiting Presidential assent, introduces new dimensions to the management of the cocoa sector, with a specific sanction regime for the destruction of cocoa trees and cocoa farms. While tree crops such as rubber and teak are adequately protected by relevant laws on them, even when they stand alone in a backyard, it is the first time such a sanction regime has been prescribed to make the destruction of cocoa trees and cocoa farms punishable by the courts.
Dr Abbey said the omission of a sanction regime for the destruction of cocoa trees and cocoa farms was an anomaly, given that the cash crop had been a mainstay of the local economy for 79 years. He also revealed a plan to introduce a pension scheme for cocoa farmers as part of the overhaul of the farmer welfare system, stating that COCOBOD would engage consultants to design an appropriate pension scheme for the farmers.
“The issue of farmer pension has been on the books for a very long time. You need their contributions; you need to teach them that the price is gone,” the CEO said.
“You do the age profile of farmers, and you say that if you decide to look at the normal pension route, how many of these farmers will be able to contribute for 15 or 20 years before they are called by God and all that. But we can discuss it,” he added.
“We still need to get a consultant, get actuarial scientists to look at the peculiarities of cocoa farming and try and develop something,” Dr Abbey added.
The COCOBOD CEO said he had discussed the issue of a pension scheme for cocoa farmers during his journalism days, only to find out upon his appointment to his new role that no such scheme existed for cocoa farmers. “I got to work (only) to find out that there is no scheme. And what I then found out was that there was supposed to be a contributory scheme. On the part of the farmers, they didn’t accept that they should contribute (to the scheme). They thought that the government was going to pay everything for them,” he said.
“So we need to still find something which will take into cognisance the peculiarity of cocoa farming and then design something. So we are not going to say that because we didn’t work, we’re giving up on it. We should still try and explore the possibility of finding something that will suit the sector and implement it,” Dr Abbey added.
The new COCOBOD law provides a new path for the board, with both the senior and the junior staff represented. While the previous law issued a slot to the staff of the company, conflict emerged over which category of staff should get that slot. Dr Abbey said given that the two groups represented different interests, the new law provided both groups with separate slots on the board, with cocoa farmers also represented for the first time.
Source: www.graphic.com.gh
Aug 6, 2026
The African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has secured 750 acres of irrigated land at Konadu in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to establish a large-scale commercial vegetable production facility.
The allocation forms part of a partnership between the Ministry and AAC aimed at translating investments in agricultural infrastructure and human capital into increased food production, job creation and commercial agribusiness development.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, announced the agreement when he welcomed 118 Ghanaian graduates sponsored by AAC to pursue postgraduate studies at RUDN University and the People’s Friendship University in Russia over the past two years.
The Konadu Irrigation Project, developed under the Afram Plains Export-Led Agricultural Enhancement and Irrigation Project (APEEIP), is equipped with centre-pivot irrigation systems designed to support large-scale commercial farming.
According to the Minister, the government has provided the irrigated land while AAC has committed to supplying the logistics and investment required to establish the vegetable production facility.
“The Ministry has established an agreement with AAC, and under that agreement, 750 acres of irrigated land at Konadu have been allocated to AAC to provide logistics to establish a vegetable production facility,” he said.
He added that AAC would also pay the irrigation water charges to ensure the sustainable operation of the project.
Mr Opoku described the partnership as the type of public-private collaboration needed to unlock Ghana’s agricultural potential and advance the government’s Feed Ghana Agenda.
“This partnership between the private sector and agricultural development is exactly the kind of collaboration Ghana needs to achieve sustainable growth,” he stated.
Graduates expected to drive agricultural transformation
The agreement comes as 118 Ghanaian scholars return home after completing postgraduate studies in agriculture, ecology and environmental sciences in Russia.
The graduates received advanced training in crop production, soil and plant health, sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental protection and natural resource management.
Speaking on behalf of the Board and Management of AAC and the Jospong Group, Dr Mrs Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer of AAC and Executive Director of the Jospong Group, said the scholarship programme was never intended simply to produce graduates but to develop professionals capable of transforming Ghana’s agriculture and environmental sectors.
Of the returning graduates, 88 specialised in agriculture-related disciplines, while 30 studied ecology, providing expertise across agricultural production and environmental management.
“Our intention was not simply to award scholarships or support young people to obtain additional certificates. Our goal was to develop a new generation of professionals who will return home with the knowledge, discipline, exposure and confidence required to contribute to Ghana’s agriculture and environmental transformation,” she said.
She stressed that the next phase of the programme would focus on translating academic knowledge into practical economic outcomes.
“The test before us now is to ensure that their knowledge does not remain in certificates, research or academic presentations, but is translated into productive farms, strong agricultural enterprises, improved environmental practices, innovative technologies, employment opportunities and measurable national impact.”
According to Dr Siaw Agyepong, access to the 750-acre irrigated site provides a critical opportunity for the graduates to move from education into commercial agriculture.
She noted that the graduates would require access to productive land, irrigation, finance, markets, research support, mentorship and institutional partnerships to maximise their impact.
She called for a structured collaboration between AAC and the Ministry to deploy the graduates across key national priorities, including agricultural production, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, environmental restoration, value addition and agribusiness development.
“What is required at this stage is a deliberate bridge between education and resources and institutional support. They must be able to move beyond seeking employment and begin creating businesses, improving productivity and generating opportunities for others.”
Dr Siaw Agyepong disclosed that AAC is already developing a reintegration framework that will expose the graduates to commercial agriculture, agricultural research, mechanisation, environmental management, value-chain development and entrepreneurship.
She said the organisation intends to work closely with relevant directorates of the Ministry to identify areas where the graduates can support existing government programmes.
“We want them to build enterprises, support farmers, strengthen value chains and introduce practical solutions to the challenges confronting Ghana’s agriculture and environmental sectors.”
She added that achieving this vision would require strong collaboration among government, the private sector, universities, research institutions and local communities.
“When these actors work together, education becomes enterprise, research becomes production, and young people become drivers of transformation.”
Minister challenges graduates to deliver results
Mr Opoku challenged AAC and the returning scholars to demonstrate tangible outcomes from the investment in land, irrigation infrastructure and education.
“We are making available the land with irrigation infrastructure. AAC has pledged to make available all the logistics that are required. And so you must show us the difference. You have the responsibility to demonstrate the difference.”
He said the partnership would support the cultivation, processing, storage, value addition, marketing and commercialisation of strategic agricultural commodities, helping to improve food security, create jobs, promote import substitution and boost exports.
The Minister also urged the graduates to embrace innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in addressing challenges within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“Ghana has invested in you through the opportunities created by your sponsors. And today, your country looks to you to become catalysts for transformation.”
“The future of agriculture belongs to those who are innovative, technologically driven and committed to excellence.”
Government commends Jospong’s investment
Mr Opoku commended the Jospong Group and AAC for what he described as a visionary investment in Ghana’s human capital.
“I wish to commend the African Agribusiness Consortium and the Jospong Group of Companies for demonstrating visionary leadership through this remarkable investment in Ghana’s human capital. It is a bold and commendable initiative.”
He encouraged other private-sector organisations, agribusinesses and development partners to emulate the initiative.
“Investing in young people is one of the greatest investments any nation can make.”
The Ministry is expected to monitor progress at the Konadu irrigation site as AAC begins implementing the vegetable production project.
Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com
Jul 31, 2026
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says government has released GH¢1.8 billion to support the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme and GH¢877 million for the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, Dr Forson said the payments were part of government’s efforts to ease financial pressure on families and improve access to education.
He said government remains committed to maintaining social interventions that support vulnerable households and promote human capital development.
“To strengthen the Free Secondary Education Programme and ease the burden on families, an amount of GH¢1.8 billion to the Free Secondary Education Programme has been paid,” Dr Forson stated.
He also disclosed that GH¢877 million had been paid to the Ghana School Feeding Programme to provide nutritious meals and encourage school attendance among children.
The Finance Minister added that GH¢76 million had been released as Capitation Grant to support the implementation of Free Compulsory Basic Education.
Jul 31, 2026
The government has pledged to eliminate Ghana’s double-track system within the next 24 months as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of secondary education through expanded infrastructure and targeted reforms.
The initiative will be supported by a $300 million World Bank facility, which will be used to expand secondary school infrastructure and address long-standing challenges in the sector.
The government maintains that the funding is intended to create additional classroom space and improve teaching and learning conditions to enable a complete phase-out of the double-track system.
The announcement comes amid criticism from the Minority in Parliament, which has argued that the World Bank loan is intended to finance the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme and reflects the government’s inability to manage the economy after Ghana’s exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
However, the government insists the facility is dedicated to strengthening secondary education infrastructure rather than funding the Free SHS policy.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the government says it is prioritising improvements in student welfare and learning outcomes.
About GH¢3.4 billion has been allocated through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in 2026 to enhance student feeding under the Free SHS programme, while reforms are also being pursued to strengthen teacher professionalism, review the curriculum and place greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and information technology.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, disclosed this in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, July 27, where he dismissed claims that the World Bank facility was meant to finance Free SHS.
“We’re borrowing to expand secondary education infrastructure. Don’t forget there was secondary education before Free SHS. We have finished our review; it has come to stay,” he said. He added that the World Bank funding would help eliminate the double-track system, which he said has reduced contact hours between teachers and students.
According to the minister, schools including Prempeh College and St Peter’s Senior High School have already begun making progress towards phasing out the double-track system.
He expressed confidence that the government’s investments in infrastructure and quality improvements would permanently resolve the challenge and restore the full academic calendar across all senior high schools.
