Gov’t strengthens drive to empower women in agriculture

By Rebecca Okine

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive policies in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He made the announcement at the induction ceremony of a new group of award-winning women farmers and fishers.

The initiative comes in response to longstanding concerns about the underrepresentation of women and the absence of policies tailored to their needs in agriculture.

Speaking during the induction, Mr Opoku said the new policies will ensure that women farmers and fishers are represented at all levels of decision-making.

Referring to the theme of the event, “Rooted in Experience, Rising in Leadership: Rural Women at the Heart of Agricultural Transformation,” he explained that it reflects not only the depth of knowledge and experience rural women bring to agriculture, but also their growing role in shaping the future of the nation’s food systems.

The Minister highlighted that across Ghana, women play vital roles as farmers, processors, traders and innovators who ensure food reaches markets and households.

He stressed that rural women contribute significantly to household incomes and community well-being, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

“Empowering women is not just a matter of equity, but also a catalyst for agricultural transformation,” Mr Opoku emphasised.

The Ministry says the policies will address barriers that hinder women’s full participation, including limited access to land, credit, extension services and technology.

By tackling these gaps, the government hopes to unlock the potential of women as custodians of indigenous knowledge, champions of food security and central actors in agricultural transformation.

Mr Opoku reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to ensure inclusivity in Ghana’s food systems, stressing that women’s empowerment in agriculture is essential for sustainable growth and national development.