President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of Ghana’s first Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene, marking a major step in the country’s agricultural transformation drive.
Describing the initiative as a strategic national investment, the President said the Centre signals a decisive transition from subsistence farming to a modern, mechanised, and commercially driven agricultural sector. He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians and reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling persistent challenges such as limited access to mechanisation, inadequate storage, weak extension services, and poor market linkages.
The Farmer Services Centre, a flagship government programme, will operate as a one-stop hub providing farmers with access to mechanised equipment, agricultural inputs, training, soil testing, storage facilities, and reliable market opportunities. Government plans to establish 50 such centres across the country, with 11 expected to begin this year.
President Mahama highlighted the strategic importance of the Afram Plains as a key agricultural growth corridor, citing its vast arable land and strong potential for both crop and livestock production. He noted that the project is expected to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, create employment, and improve incomes for farmers, particularly young people.
He also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, commending B5 Plus Group Limited for its collaboration. The President further reiterated government’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture, expanded irrigation, rural infrastructure development, and value addition within the sector.
Reaffirming support for farmers, President Mahama assured that policies are being rolled out to ease the cost of inputs, ensure fair pricing, and strengthen local food production.
“This is how we transform agriculture through practical, targeted investments,” he stated, adding that the initiative reflects a clear vision to build a modern, productive, and food-secure Ghana.
