AgriFair reinforces long-standing struggle to curb $3bn food import bill

The decades-long dependence on imported food once again took centre stage over the weekend as Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, declared that the ongoing AgriFair in Accra is a powerful demonstration of the country’s untapped potential to drastically cut its ballooning food import bill, now nearing US$3 billion annually.

Speaking at the event held at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, Tanoh said the fair strengthens the argument that Ghana can reverse years of sluggish domestic production if the right investments are made into agriculture and agro-processing.

The food import challenge has persisted since the early 1990s, with the country relying heavily on foreign rice, poultry, vegetable oils, sugar, and processed foods.

Multiple governments have attempted interventions—from the National Buffer Stock Company reforms, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), to import restriction proposals—yet structural bottlenecks, weak value chains, and limited agro-processing capacity have left the economy vulnerable.

Tanoh warned that continued overreliance on imports has worsened unemployment, particularly among the 2.7 million young people currently without jobs, as the country “continues to export jobs” to foreign producers.

He noted that AgriFair 2025 offers a visual and practical reminder that local farmers and agribusinesses are capable of producing high-quality food products competitively.

“Events like this show clearly that Ghana can do it—qualitatively and at competitive prices,” he stated. Exhibitors at the fair showcased locally grown rice, vegetables, fruits, poultry products, processed foods, and organic farm outputs, reinforcing long-standing calls to strengthen rural economies and local value chains.

Linking the fair to government’s 24-Hour Economy strategy, Tanoh outlined three core value chains expected to drive growth: Growth24, aimed at boosting crop production; Make24, focused on agro-processing and manufacturing; and Connect24, dedicated to improving logistics and market access.

He explained that these components are designed to ensure that agricultural goods move smoothly from farm to market at reduced cost, improved efficiency, and with increased farmer incomes.