Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has called for a paradigm shift in how Ghana approaches agricultural research—urging a move beyond funding into full-scale implementation of findings to transform the sector.
Addressing participants at the Agribusiness Launchpad and Accelerator Programme held from July 9–11, 2025, at the Impact Food Hub in Accra, Dumelo highlighted that the country’s numerous research institutions, particularly the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), are sitting on valuable data that remains underutilized.
“Research is only the beginning. If we fail to apply the knowledge generated, then the investment becomes ineffective,” Dumelo stated. He further proposed that institutions like CSIR be placed directly under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to better align research with the country’s agricultural policy and operational strategies.
The Deputy Minister’s remarks come amid growing calls to bridge the gap between research and practice in Ghana’s agriculture sector—a move seen by many experts as critical to achieving food security and economic transformation.
In addition to advocating research implementation, Dumelo urged farmers to embrace dry season farming, citing its potential for higher profits due to reduced competition and better market prices. “It’s about smart farming—timing your planting to meet market demand can significantly increase your income,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, CEO of Impact Food Hub, praised the government’s decision to integrate agribusiness more prominently within the Ministry of Trade and Industry. She described the move as a progressive step toward strengthening value chains and boosting productivity in the agricultural sector.
The three-day accelerator programme brought together innovators, researchers, policymakers, and agripreneurs to explore practical solutions for building a more resilient and competitive agribusiness ecosystem in Ghana.
