Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has warned that African countries risk remaining vulnerable to external shocks if they fail to achieve food self-sufficiency. Opoku stated that a nation unable to feed itself remains exposed to security threats. This declaration was made during his address to lawmakers at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values in Parliament.
The Minister stressed that recent global crises have exposed the dangers of depending on international food supply chains. He cited events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate-related disasters, and rising geopolitical tensions. These disruptions have made the concept of food sovereignty more critical than ever over the past three decades. Food security is not just an agricultural issue; it is a strategic national security matter that needs urgent government attention.
This concern for food security aligns with Ghana’s broader economic resilience efforts. Food imports represent a significant drain on foreign exchange reserves, impacting the cedi's stability. Reducing this reliance could strengthen the national currency and insulate the economy from global price volatility. Ghana’s agricultural sector, despite its potential, still lags in productivity compared to global benchmarks, contributing less than 10 per cent of global agricultural output even with vast arable land.
Minister Opoku emphasized that food sovereignty empowers countries to determine their own agricultural, fisheries, labour, and land-use policies. These policies should align with national priorities and local needs. He also stated that food sovereignty promotes locally produced food, culturally appropriate diets, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to resources. This includes democratic control over food systems.
Africa’s inability to feed itself is not due to a lack of natural resources but rather policy and structural challenges, according to Opoku. He called for deliberate policy reforms and increased investment. These measures would strengthen domestic food production, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce dependence on food imports. African leaders and lawmakers must prioritize food sovereignty as a cornerstone of economic resilience, national security, and sustainable development.
In the coming months, decision-makers will likely consider policies that support local farmers and agricultural businesses. This could include targeted subsidies, improved access to credit, and investments in irrigation and storage facilities. The focus will be on boosting yields for staple crops and reducing post-harvest losses. Markets will watch for government initiatives that translate these intentions into tangible agricultural growth and reduced food import bills. Continued reliance on food imports could exacerbate inflation and weaken the national currency.