President John Dramani Mahama has fulfilled a major campaign promise by cutting the sod for the establishment of a Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region.
The Centre, to be developed on approximately 12 acres of land at Takoratwene, is both a strategic and timely intervention aimed at transforming agriculture in the area. It is the first of 50 Farmer Services Centres promised by the government to support key farming zones across the country.
This year, the government will commence construction of 11 of the centres, ensuring that farmers across the country gain access to essential tools and services needed to enhance productivity. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to boost agricultural production and strengthen food security nationwide.
A Farmer Services Centre is designed as a comprehensive agricultural hub, equipped with machinery, inputs, technical expertise and financial support systems to serve farmers within its catchment area. Services to be provided include mechanised land preparation, input application, harvesting, shelling and bagging.
In addition, the centres will facilitate access to critical inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, weedicides and pesticides, while also offering agronomic extension services to support farmers in improving yields and adopting best practices.
President Mahama emphasised that the establishment of the Centre marks the beginning of a strategic national investment in agriculture, describing it as a practical step toward building a more modern, productive and resilient agricultural economy.
“Most importantly, it is a testament of confidence in the hard-working farmers of Ghana,” he stated.
He reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians, sustaining households, supporting local economies, supplying raw materials to industry and underpinning national food security.
However, he acknowledged that farmers have long faced significant challenges, including limited access to mechanisation services, inadequate storage facilities, weak extension support and poor market linkages—factors that continue to hinder productivity and reduce incomes.
“If we are committed to transforming Ghana’s economy, then we must be equally serious about transforming our agriculture,” the President stressed.
He noted that the government is pursuing a comprehensive agricultural transformation agenda aimed at shifting the sector from subsistence to modern commercial production, from vulnerability to resilience, and from low productivity to value addition and competitiveness.
The Farmer Services Centre programme, he explained, is a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress administration under this broader agenda. It is designed to bring essential agricultural services closer to farmers through integrated service hubs in key farming regions.
The Takoratwene Centre will include mechanisation services, access to inputs, extension and advisory support, storage and post-harvest handling facilities, market linkages and farmer training units—effectively serving as a one-stop service point for registered farmers.
President Mahama explained that Takoratwene was selected as the starting point due to its strategic importance in Ghana’s food security drive. The district boasts vast arable lands, strong potential for maize, rice, soybean and livestock production, year-round water availability for irrigation, and a hardworking farming population.
“For these reasons, the government sees the area as a vital agricultural growth corridor,” he said.
Upon completion, the Centre is expected to improve access to mechanisation, provide ready markets for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses and significantly increase agricultural productivity.
The project is also anticipated to generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
“This is how we transform agriculture—through practical, targeted investments,” the President added.
As part of the initiative, President Mahama announced that the government would roll out a free fertiliser package for farmers to further support production.
He also revealed that a contract has been awarded for the construction of a bridge over the River Afram at Etse-Amanfrom to link the Kwahu Afram Plains to the rest of the Eastern Region, with work set to commence soon.
Additionally, he announced plans to construct the road from Adawso to Agordeke to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and services in the area.
