The Government of Ghana is set to implement a landmark agriculture-led jobs initiative that aims to create more than 500,000 employment opportunities nationwide. The programme forms part of a broader strategy to transform the agricultural sector and drive inclusive economic growth.
Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the initiative during a high-level meeting with Ethiopis Tafara, Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), held in Washington, D.C. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Ghana and the IFC to unlock new investments that will support the country’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Dr. Forson revealed that the government is in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive Oil Palm Plantation Policy, which will be presented in the 2026 Budget. This policy is part of a broader effort to develop Ghana’s economic crops and maximise their potential to drive growth.
According to him, the initiative seeks to leverage economic crops to create large-scale employment across the entire value chain — from cultivation and processing to manufacturing and exports.
“The opportunities in economic crops are immense. With the right investment and strategic partnerships, Ghana can create over 500,000 jobs across the value chain,” Dr. Forson stated. “Agriculture will be placed at the centre of the country’s economic transformation agenda.”
He further explained that the development of large-scale plantations requires patient capital. To this end, the government is working closely with the World Bank, IFC, and other development partners to mobilise the necessary financing to support private sector-led growth in the sector.
The IFC has expressed strong support for the initiative. Mr. Tafara reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to address key development priorities, describing agriculture as a critical driver for harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
