The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has called for the adoption of digital farming techniques to enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 5th Department of Development and Social Services (DDSS) Consultation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Abokobi, near Accra, he underscored the transformative impact of technologies like artificial intelligence on farming practices.
In his address, delivered on his behalf, Mr. Acheampong emphasized the importance of modern technology in agriculture and its potential to revolutionize food production.
He noted that while the integration of innovative technologies is advancing the digitalization of farming, many smallholder farmers remain hesitant to abandon traditional methods.
“The traditional way of farming hinders our progress towards achieving the agricultural goals we aspire to,” he stated.
He acknowledged that farmers often cling to conventional practices due to past successes, making it challenging to encourage them to embrace digital platforms.
The minister urged religious institutions, particularly the Presbyterian Church, to partner with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in promoting digital technology adoption among farmers.
He suggested leveraging the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative to address food security challenges in the country.
Mr. Acheampong expressed optimism about the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), a web-based resource designed to support agribusiness actors with vital information, insights, and market access.
He explained that the platform would offer essential services such as real-time weather data and best farming practices, all easily accessible to farmers.
He encouraged farmers to utilize the reliable agricultural data provided by the platform to enhance their productivity.
The GhAAP aims to improve coordination, transparency, and real-time reporting within the agricultural sector.
Dr. Abraham N. O. Kwakye, Moderator for the General Assembly, affirmed the Church’s commitment to addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of the community.
He highlighted the Church’s long-standing contributions to Ghana’s agriculture and development, noting its initiatives to improve food security and farmer livelihoods.
Mrs. Rebecca Tagoe Sabah, National Director for DDSS, added that the Church’s collaborative efforts across agriculture, health, and entrepreneurship contribute to 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She emphasized the Church’s initiative to nurture young entrepreneurs by establishing entrepreneurship hubs to promote youth employment.
