President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious agricultural transformation initiative dubbed the Feed Ghana Programme, with a bold emphasis on the oil palm industry as a potential game-changer for the Ghanaian economy. The announcement was made in Techiman in the Bono East Region, where the president passionately called for immediate action to reduce the country’s overdependence on food imports and revitalize its agricultural strength.
Addressing a gathering of farmers, stakeholders, and government officials, President Mahama highlighted the immense potential of the oil palm sector in positioning Ghana on the global agricultural map. The global oil palm market is projected to hit $65 billion by 2027, and Ghana, with its rich soils and history of agricultural excellence, stands ready to stake its claim. However, the country currently produces only 300,000 metric tonnes against a domestic demand of 450,000 metric tonnes, creating a shortfall that the president is determined to eliminate.
He introduced the National Palm Oil Industry Policy, which aims to offer targeted incentives along the value chain—from cultivation through processing to export. Labelling palm oil as “our brown gold,” President Mahama expressed confidence that the industry could become as influential to the national economy as cocoa once was. The policy is expected to bring much-needed relief to smallholder farmers, boost agro-processing investments, and drive exports.
The president also reaffirmed his commitment to empowering the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), established to oversee six strategic crops: oil palm, mango, coconut, rubber, cashew, and shea. He stated that while all six crops are crucial, oil palm would receive special attention due to its high market value and wide range of industrial uses.
President Mahama was clear about the urgency of addressing Ghana’s food import bill, which currently exceeds $2 billion annually. Although food inflation has reduced significantly from a peak of 54% in 2022 to 23% in 2025, he believes this is not the time to relax. Instead, he sees agriculture as the cornerstone for economic recovery and a key sector for job creation, especially among the youth.
He emphasized that the Feed Ghana Programme was not just about food but about national transformation, calling on all Ghanaians to unite behind the vision. By linking agriculture to industrial growth through initiatives like the Tree Crop Development – Feed the Industry component, the president envisions a future where Ghana is not only food secure but also a major exporter of processed agricultural products.
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