Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for increased investment in the rice sector across West Africa, describing it as a critical pathway to strengthening food security, creating jobs, and driving economic transformation throughout the region.
Speaking at the West Africa Rice Investment Roundtable, organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Professor Opoku-Agyemang joined regional stakeholders, development partners and investors to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural development and reducing dependence on food imports.
The Vice President emphasised that the discussions centred on Africa’s ability to feed its growing population, build economic resilience, and address vulnerabilities arising from excessive reliance on imported food products.
She noted that rice, one of the most widely consumed staple foods in West Africa, presents a significant opportunity to promote industrial growth, generate employment and create value across the agricultural value chain.
According to Professor Opoku-Agyemang, the Government of Ghana’s ‘Reset Agenda’ is focused on increasing domestic production and reducing import dependency, making investment in rice production a key national priority.
“Investment in the rice sector helps to strengthen food security while creating value across the agricultural chain,” she stated, adding that West Africa must begin to view rice as a strategic economic asset capable of driving rural development, employment and regional prosperity.
The Vice President further highlighted Africa’s vast agricultural potential, citing the continent’s youthful population and extensive arable land resources.
She said changing global food systems and shifting supply chains present a unique opportunity for African countries to position themselves as major agricultural producers.
She stressed that achieving this goal would require the mobilisation of capital, adoption of modern technology and the implementation of supportive policies to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with ECOWAS, development partners, investors and member states to advance a shared vision of agricultural transformation and food security across the region.
She concluded by underscoring the importance of collective action, stating that Africa’s food security must be built on local production, innovation and sustainable development.
The West Africa Rice Investment Roundtable forms part of broader regional efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, attract investment into the rice value chain and enhance food self-sufficiency across ECOWAS member states.
