First Farmer Services Centre goes to Afram Plains.

President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday cut the sod for the construction of Ghana's first Farmer Services Centre in Takoratwene, fulfilling a major campaign promise from the 2024 elections.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President described the initiative as a transformative step toward modernising Ghana's agricultural sector and moving away from traditional farming methods.

"The era of farming with traditional tools such as cutlasses and hoes must give way to modern, mechanised agriculture," the President stated. "Across the world, developed countries are far ahead because they have embraced technology and sophisticated machinery in farming."

The President explained that the new Farmer Services Centre represents a comprehensive approach to agricultural transformation.

The facility will house tractors, combine harvesters, threshers, and other modern machinery, along with a dedicated maintenance unit to ensure equipment availability. It will also serve as a training hub where registered farmers can learn modern farming techniques and best practices.

A key feature of the centre is its soil testing laboratory, which will provide farmers with analysis services to guide crop selection and fertiliser application for better yields.

Registered farmers will receive support in accessing seeds and fertilisers directly from the centre, with officers available to provide assistance.

The facility will include warehouses and silos for storage, allowing farmers to avoid selling produce immediately after harvest at unfavourable prices. Instead, the centre will purchase crops, store them, and sell them at optimal times to ensure better returns.

"Government will also introduce a minimum recommended price each year to guarantee farmers receive fair prices for their produce, often higher than prevailing market rates," the President announced.

The choice of Afram Plains for the first centre reflects the area's status as one of Ghana's food baskets, producing significant quantities of maize, groundnuts, and cassava.

"The Farmer Services Centre represents a bold step towards modernising agriculture in Ghana," the President concluded. "Together, we can transform Afram Plains into a true engine of food security and economic growth for our nation."

The President revealed that, through the National Buffer Stock Company, the government allocated 200 million cedis last year to purchase food for schools and increased that amount to 300 million cedis this year.

In response to losses incurred by farmers following last year's bumper harvest, the government will provide fertilisers free of charge this year.

The President also assured farmers that no new permits for maize imports have been issued, and that the focus remains on supporting local production.

Government, he announced, has awarded a contract to SONITRA Constructions Limited to construct the Adawso-Ekye Amanfrom bridge across the Afram River, which will improve transportation and the movement of goods.

The President also announced that irrigation projects covering approximately 900 hectares have been initiated in the Afram Plains since last year, enabling year-round farming when completed.

Additionally, the road from Adawso to Abloblodepke will be included in the Big Push Programme to improve accessibility.

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