President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for Ghana’s first farmers’ service centre at Takoratwene in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District, marking a significant step in the country’s agricultural transformation drive.
Describing the initiative as a turning point for the sector, the President said the project goes beyond infrastructure and represents a long-term national investment in modernising agriculture.
“It marks the beginning of a strategic national investment in Ghanaian agriculture… a practical step towards building a more modern, productive, and resilient agricultural economy.” - President Mahama
Addressing Longstanding Challenges
President Mahama highlighted deep-rooted structural challenges that have constrained agricultural productivity for decades.
He noted that many farmers continue to face limited access to mechanisation, poor storage facilities, weak extension services, and inadequate market linkages.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods for millions… however, for far too long, many of our farmers have worked under very challenging conditions,” he said, adding that these constraints have suppressed productivity and reduced incomes.
He stressed that transforming Ghana’s economy requires a parallel transformation of the agricultural sector, which remains central to food security and industrial development.
Integrated Services to Boost Productivity
The farmers’ service centre is designed as a one-stop hub providing essential services to farmers.
The Takoratwene facility will offer mechanisation, access to farm inputs, extension and advisory services, storage infrastructure, and post-harvest support.
“This initiative is designed to bring essential agricultural services closer to farmers by creating integrated service hubs in key farming regions.” - President Mahama
The centre will also include training facilities and market access support, helping farmers improve productivity and connect more effectively to value chains. Government plans to roll out up to 50 such centres across the country.
Strategic Location and Economic Impact
The choice of the Afram Plains area was described as strategic due to its vast arable land and strong agricultural potential.
The region is known for producing staples such as maize, rice, and soybean, and is considered a key agricultural growth corridor.
“The district is endowed with vast arable lands… the government sees Afram Plains as a vital agricultural growth corridor.” President Mahama
Beyond productivity gains, the project is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmer incomes, and create jobs, particularly for young people. “When completed, it will increase productivity, reduce losses, and create jobs,” he said.
Public-Private Collaboration Key
The President commended B5 Plus Group Limited for supporting the initiative, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving agricultural transformation.
“Agricultural transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires strong partnerships and long-term investments.” - President Mahama
The farmers’ service centre programme forms part of a wider reform agenda aimed at promoting irrigation, climate-resilient farming, and agro-processing. The government is also working to help smallholder farmers transition into commercial production.
Reaffirming his commitment, President Mahama said the initiative reflects a broader national vision. “Our goal is clear, a modern, productive, and profitable agricultural sector,” he said, adding that Ghana’s future will be built on “innovation, infrastructure, inclusion, and partnership.”
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