The newly inaugurated Board of the Grains and Legumes Development Authority (GLDA) has been charged with ensuring the production of quality, affordable grains while enhancing market access and promoting value addition across the sector.
Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr John Dumelo, gave the directive on Tuesday in Accra during the swearing-in of the nine-member Board, chaired by Dr Joseph Asako Azumah. Other members include Mr Assanaba Imoro, Dr Solomon Gyan Ansah, Mr Lordson Sammor-Duah, Mr Mohammed Issifu Pangabu, Mr Donald Awintoma Adabre, Mr Awuni Anaahu, Mr Yakubu Abduli Hamid, and Mr Kwame Addai Amankwah David.
Mr Dumelo stressed that agriculture remains a top government priority, with grains and legumes forming a critical part of the sector. “If you look at the agenda of the government, agriculture is at the top, and when you look at agriculture in Ghana, it is mostly about grains and legumes,” he said. He urged the Board to ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce and that the quality of grains on the market is improved.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Board’s work would be foundational to the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s food systems, pledging periodic engagements to monitor progress and performance.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Mr Assanaba Imoro highlighted their mandate to support farmers through the production and distribution of quality foundation seeds, coordination with research institutions, and facilitation of market linkages. He pledged the Board’s commitment to supporting government objectives for food sufficiency and agricultural growth.
The Grains and Legumes Development Authority is tasked with regulating the subsector, enhancing productivity, promoting standards, and supporting value addition to create a more resilient and profitable agricultural system for Ghana.
