Ministry of Food and Agriculture Inaugurates National Seed Council to Overhaul Ghana's Seed Industry

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has officially inaugurated a nine-member National Seed Council, marking a strategic milestone in the effort to regulate and certify Ghana’s seed industry. This council is tasked with the vital responsibility of ensuring that only high-quality seeds are distributed to farmers, which is fundamental to increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security. By establishing this formal regulatory body, the government is taking a decisive step toward sanitizing the industry and providing a reliable framework for seed production and quality control across the country. Chaired by Alhaji Abubakari Mumuni, the council is composed of a broad spectrum of stakeholders from leading agricultural and scientific organizations, ensuring that its decisions are grounded in technical expertise and industry best practices. During the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Minister John Dumelo highlighted the critical role that the council will play in the nation's agricultural transformation. He specifically urged the council to prioritize and expedite the certification of locally produced seeds, noting that reducing the country’s reliance on seed imports is essential for economic resilience and the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Deputy Minister emphasized that a robust local seed industry would not only support farmers but also reduce the pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Beyond regulation, the National Seed Council is expected to drive innovation within the sector, fostering an environment where improved seed varieties can be developed and commercialized efficiently. This initiative is a core component of Ghana’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture and improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. As the council begins its mandate, it will focus on creating a seamless supply chain for quality seeds, which is expected to result in higher crop yields and a more competitive agricultural sector on the global stage. The success of this council is seen as a prerequisite for the overall transformation of Ghana’s rural economy and the achievement of long-term food self-sufficiency.