Government of Ghana launches school farm initiative

The Chief of Staff to the Republic of Ghana, Julius Debrah, has officially launched a School Farm Initiative aimed at encouraging agricultural practices among students while promoting food security in the country. The initiative, which is expected to be rolled out across selected schools, seeks to instill in young people a practical appreciation of farming as both a career path and a tool for national development. He further stressed the government’s commitment to supporting innovative projects that build sustainable livelihoods and prepare the youth to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic growth.

Mr Julius Debrah stated that the School Farm Initiative is one of the practical ways to achieve this vision. By embedding agriculture into the schools, he said the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is planting the seed for self-reliance, creativity, and entrepreneurship in our young people.

He further stated that all persons must understand that the success of this initiative depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.

“The President’s vision for agriculture is clear. He has placed it at the very heart of our National Research and Development Agenda — a vision that calls for transformation: • From dependency to productivity,
• From subsistence to competitiveness, • From agriculture as a last resort, to agriculture as a modern, innovative, and dignified enterprise.

“The School Farm Initiative is a bold step in that transformation. By embedding agriculture into our schools, we are not just planting crops; we are planting the seeds of self-reliance, creativity, and entrepreneurship in our young people. We are shaping mindsets, and we are building futures.

“But let us be clear: the success of this initiative does not rest on government alone. It depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.   Government, through the Presidential Initiative on Agriculture and Agribusiness, will provide enabling policies, logistical support, and national coordination.  The Ghana Education Service must weave agriculture into teaching and learning, not as punishment, but as a practical tool for knowledge and innovation.  School Heads must provide leadership to ensure farms are vibrant, productive, and sustainable.  GETFund will play a critical role by channeling resources into infrastructure and support.  The National Service Authority, with its trained graduates, will provide the technical hands to drive success on the ground,” he said during the launch in Accra on Friday, August 29.

Above all, he added, this initiative needs the full backing of our teachers and parents.

“I call on NAGRAT, GNAT, CCT-GH, and all teacher unions: do not see this as an additional burden, but as an opportunity to mentor students, to pass on values and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Teachers, you shape the mindset of our future. Your commitment will determine the success of this program. Parents, you too must embrace school farms as an investment in your children’s future — an investment that enhances nutrition, reduces food costs, and prepares our children with lifelong skills. With strong PTAs, we can make this initiative not just sustainable, but truly transformative.”

To the students, he said, this is their opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

“An opportunity to see farming not as punishment, but as innovation. An opportunity to prepare yourselves for careers and also to contribute to Ghana’s food security. On behalf of His Excellency the President, I assure you that government is fully committed. This is not a side project. It is a legacy project. A project that binds together education, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Institutions, resources, and partnerships will be mobilized to ensure that school farms are not simply projects of today, but foundations for tomorrow.”

“Direct funds may not be released to the schools but inputs such as seeds, fertilizer and mechanism will be provided” – Director, Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Office of the President- Republic of Ghana, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor