Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), has called on Ghana’s unemployed youth to take up farming, highlighting the government’s efforts to modernise the sector and expand its economic opportunities.

Speaking at the dedication of Apostle Clement Brakatu Temple of the Apostles’ Continuation Church International in Sunyani, under the theme “Except the Lord Build the House,” Opoku described agriculture as a lucrative enterprise capable of improving socio-economic livelihoods.

He challenged the perception that farming is only for the poor, noting that many successful Ghanaians, including politicians, ministers, and Members of Parliament, are actively involved in agriculture. “In fact, the biggest farmer in the country now is President John Dramani Mahama, and no farmer cultivates more onions, maize, and rice than he does,” Opoku stated.

The Minister stressed the financial opportunities in agriculture, urging youth to engage in farming to improve their lives. He also highlighted the country’s reliance on imports, noting that Ghana spends at least $400 million annually on tomatoes from Burkina Faso. “If we stop importing tomatoes, that money can be redirected to building factories and creating more job opportunities for the youth,” he said.

Opoku outlined government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme, designed to modernise agriculture, make it more attractive, and inspire backyard gardening to enhance household food security. He added that senior high schools are being encouraged to engage in farming to feed students, while institutions are being supported to venture into large-scale agriculture under the programme.

He lamented the underutilisation of Ghana’s fertile lands, saying, “Despite our abundant arable lands, we have not cultivated sufficiently, which is why we still import tomatoes and onions from Burkina Faso and Niger.”

Seid Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, commended the construction and dedication of the temple, describing it as a testament to the role of religious institutions in shaping society and preaching the gospel.