Nat’l Tymes News Desk
GHANA has thrown its full support behind a newly launched policy guide on National Agricultural Data Infrastructure (NAgDI), describing it as a game-changer for modernizing agriculture and improving food security.
Speaking at the official launch, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth, H.E. Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, praised the Commonwealth Secretariat and lead expert Dr. Benjamin Adom for their role in developing the initiative. She also thanked them for selecting Ghana as one of the four countries to benefit from the project.
According to her, agriculture plays a vital role in national development, and it is time for countries to embrace digital tools to make farming smarter, more productive, and profitable.
“Agriculture drives our economy and feeds our people. But to transform it, we need reliable data. Unfortunately, agricultural data is often scattered and uncoordinated. That’s what NAgDI aims to fix,” she said.
She added that the new policy framework offers a practical and sustainable roadmap to help governments and stakeholders collect, manage, and use agricultural data effectively.
The launch follows a stakeholder meeting in Accra in November 2023, which brought together over 35 public and private sector institutions. A policy brief was issued after the meeting, which formed the basis for the newly launched guide.
Quoting renowned statistician Edward Deming, she said: “Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” She stressed that effective data management is essential for sound planning and decision-making in agriculture.
Commissioner Mrs Sabah Benson noted that the NAgDI policy aligns perfectly with President John Dramani Mahama’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). She highlighted key initiatives under the agenda, including:
– Setting up Farmer Service Centres to support farmers with modern tools, inputs, and equipment.
– Reintroducing free fertilizers and seedlings for cocoa farmers.
– Establishing Farm Banks to ease access to land and irrigation.
– Launching a Transformational Grains Development program to boost local production of rice, maize, soya, sorghum, and other staples.
She also linked NAgDI to Ghana’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy Policy, which focuses on turning key sectors like agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing into engines of job creation and export competitiveness.
“The 24-hour economy was launched this year to grow our economy, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports. A national agricultural data system will make it easier for both public and private sectors to plan, invest, and innovate,” she explained.
She added that Ghana is open to partnering with development organizations, private digital infrastructure (DPI) providers, and stakeholders in the agriculture sector to make NAgDI a reality.
“I am personally excited about the opportunities this policy brings. It can transform agriculture, boost food security, and improve the lives of farmers across Ghana and beyond,” she concluded.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
