The Government is set to roll out a major agriculture-driven jobs initiative that would create more than 500,000 employment opportunities across the country as part of a new strategy to transform the sector and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the plan last Friday during a high-level meeting with Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Ethiopis Tafara, held in Washington DC.
The meeting focused on deepening collaboration between Ghana and the IFC to unlock new investment and support for the country’s agricultural transformation agenda.
According to Dr Forson, government is finalizing a comprehensive Oil Palm Plantation Policy to be presented in the 2026 Budget as part of a broader push to develop economic crops.
The initiative aims at harnessing the full potential of these crops to generate large-scale employment along the value chain, from cultivation and processing to manufacturing and exports.
“The opportunities in economic crops are immense, with the right investment and strategic partnerships, Ghana can create over 500,000 jobs across the value chain,” Dr Forson said.
He noted that developing such large-scale plantations requires patient capital, therefore government is working closely with the World Bank, IFC, and other development partners to mobilize the finances needed to support private sector-led growth in the sector.
The Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation, Mr Tafara reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working with Ghana to address its development priorities, describing agriculture as a key pathway to harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend and creating sustainable employment.
Deborah Narkie Nartey, ISD
