“Your Excellencies, your presence here is a blessing not only to the Ministry but to the entire nation,” said Hon. Eric Opoku, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, as he welcomed H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Board Chair of the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF), along with H.E. Roman Tesfaye, former First Lady of Ethiopia and CEO of HRF, to a high-level meeting on Ghana’s agricultural transformation and food security on March 25, 2025, in Accra.
The discussion centered on HRF’s ongoing high-level advocacy efforts through its Agricultural Transformation, Food, and Nutrition Security Project—funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—to enhance food and nutrition security, modernize farming practices, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers in Ghana.
During the meeting, Hon. Opoku emphasized the government’s recent initiatives to strengthen the agricultural sector, highlighting key areas such as improvements to irrigation systems, the promotion of crop diversification, and support for smallholder farmers. “In 2024, Ghana approved eight corn and six soybean varieties for food, feed, and industrial products, underscoring our commitment to leveraging technology to address agriculture challenges,” he stated, stressing that food security remained a central concern, with strategies such as expanding community gardens, establishing farmers’ service centers, and promoting agribusiness put forward as viable solutions. “We thank you, Excellencies, for your continued high-level advocacy support to transform our continent’s agriculture,” he added.
HRF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these efforts through its project, ensuring sustainable food production and improved livelihoods for farmers. “Our commitment to agricultural transformation in Ghana is rooted in ensuring that food systems are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. By advocating for innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, we are making tangible progress in securing food and nutrition for future generations across Africa,” stated H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Co-Founder of HRF, citing HRF’s recent high-level advocacy impact in Rwanda as an example. “HRF’s high-level advocacy has been instrumental in shaping Rwanda’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) 2024/25–2028/29, reinforcing a stronger focus on science-driven agricultural development. The Foundation is working to bring similar advocacy and practical interventions to Ghana, focusing on agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and market access for smallholder farmers.”
H.E. Roman Tesfaye underscored the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, particularly in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. “We must invest in approaches that not only increase productivity but also improve the nutritional outcomes of vulnerable communities. By linking smallholder farmers to school feeding programs, we can create a sustainable system where agriculture, nutrition, and education work together,” she said.
By addressing current challenges and embracing innovative solutions, both parties demonstrated a unified commitment to advancing the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
With the financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, HRF is advocating for science-driven agricultural transformation, climate resilience, and improved food and nutrition security across Africa, including in Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia and Tanzania.
