Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy policy, Goosie Tanoh, has provided a comprehensive insight into 'Grow 24', a cornerstone of Ghana's ambitious eight-pronged 24-Hour Economy strategy aimed at modernising and expanding the nation's agricultural sector.
Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show today, Mr Tanoh explained that 'Grow 24' seeks to spearhead agricultural transformation through the application of advanced technology, climate-smart practices, and enhanced infrastructure, thereby enabling continuous, round-the-clock production and value addition. "Farmers face numerous challenges - limited access to fertiliser, mechanisation shortfalls, poor farm maintenance, and insufficient extension services," he noted. "'Grow 24' is designed to overcome these barriers." Following extensive consultations with farmers, industrial stakeholders, the private sector, and government agencies, it became clear that certain foundational issues must be addressed to ensure agriculture thrives and attracts long-term investment. "Farmers made it clear: they require secure land titles, dependable irrigation to facilitate year-round cultivation - particularly of vegetables and cereals - digital connectivity for seamless access to extension services, and quality road networks to transport produce efficiently to markets," Mr Tanoh emphasised.
He underscored the importance of logistical improvements in reducing post-harvest losses and transport costs, stressing that these are vital to de-risking agriculture and attracting private investment. "Grow24 is built around three pivotal pillars: transforming production through modern techniques to increase yields; enhancing supply chain and market efficiency via improved transport, logistics, and storage; and developing human capital by ensuring farmers and workers are highly skilled, disciplined, and work-ready," he said. "Without discipline and a robust work ethic, we cannot compete with dynamic Asian economies.
Therefore, skills training and mindset development are paramount," Mr Tanoh stated.
