President Mahama Launches Nationwide School Farms Initiative to Boost Food Security and Skills
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious program requiring every secondary school and tertiary institution in Ghana to establish and maintain its own farm, aiming to embed agricultural training in the education system and enhance national food production.
The announcement came during his address at the 2025 National Farmers’ Day celebration, where he emphasized the dual benefits of equipping students with practical farming skills and addressing food security challenges.
Under the initiative, schools will cultivate crops and rear livestock on designated plots, with produce contributing to school feeding programs and surplus sold to generate revenue. The government will provide startup seeds, tools, extension services, and training through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
President Mahama described the move as a return to Ghana’s agricultural roots, stating that hands-on farming experience will produce a new generation of agripreneurs capable of driving rural development and reducing youth unemployment.
He directed regional education directors to begin land allocation and planning immediately, with full implementation targeted for the 2026 academic year. Pilot programs in selected senior high schools have already shown increased student interest in agribusiness careers and improved nutrition in boarding facilities.
The President assured that the initiative will not disrupt academic schedules but will be integrated as a compulsory practical module, with performance tied to internal assessments. Tertiary institutions, particularly agricultural colleges, will serve as hubs for research and innovation to support the school farms network.
