TANKO: Volta Region Ready To Lead In Agricultural Transformation

A Council of State Member and founder of Tanko Foundation, His Eminence Gabriel Kwamigah-Atokple mostly known as Tanko has said, the Volta Region is ready to lead in agricultural transformation, if given the right support and full participation in national programmes.

He indicated that, the region can achieve substantial growth, strengthen agribusiness and contribute meaningfully to national food security.

He made this known in a Facebook post on his OFFICIAL page as a keynote speaker for the Opening Ceremony of the Agricultural Fair and Exhibition by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.

Read full post below:

I was invited by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council as the keynote speaker for the Opening Ceremony of the Agricultural Fair and Exhibition, an important event marking the beginning of activities leading to the 41st National Farmers’ Day Celebration under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”

Present were the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu; the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku; the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur; and the Vice President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbega Patamia Dzekley VII.

In my address:

1. I emphasised the Volta Region’s agricultural potential, noting its fertile soils, favourable climate, reliable water resources and a hardworking population committed to farming across generations. These natural advantages position the region as an ideal hub for agricultural advancement and food production.
2. I stressed the relevance of national agricultural reforms introduced by the new NDC government. Policies such as the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, Farmer Service Centres, the Farm Bank initiative and expanded agribusiness support create significant opportunities that regions like Volta must strategically align with.
3. I humbly made a direct appeal to the Ministers present to ensure the Volta Region is fully integrated into these national intervention policies. With our natural resources, hardworking farmers and the growing interest of young people in agribusiness, the region is well placed to champion the success of these policies and serve as a national model.
4. I also spoke about the region’s broader agricultural strengths beyond rice, including cassava, maize, vegetables, fruits, cocoa, poultry, livestock and aquaculture. Volta Lake offers immense possibilities for modern fish farming, whilst greenhouse cultivation and climate-smart technologies are being adopted by many young innovators.
5. I acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing farmers, such as high input costs, limited mechanisation, restricted access to credit, climate disruptions, market instability and post-harvest losses. I called for better roads, stronger extension services, improved water management and liquid support to empowered farmer cooperatives to help address these issues.
6. I concluded by reiterating that the Volta Region is ready to lead in agricultural transformation. With the right support and full participation in national programmes, the region can achieve substantial growth, strengthen agribusiness and contribute meaningfully to national food security.