The Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John Mburidiba, has called for urgent action to bridge gaps in Ghana’s agricultural value chain, stressing that stronger market linkages are critical to transforming the livelihoods of farmers and agribusinesses.
He made the call yesterday in Tamale when he officially opened the National Market Actors Forum 2026, themed: “Partnering for Prosperity: Strengthening Market Linkages for All.” The forum brought together producers, aggregators, processors, buyers, financial institutions, and development partners to discuss sustainable approaches to market-driven growth in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Mburidiba commended Everyone THRIVE Ghana and World Vision Ghana for convening the forum, describing it as a timely and strategic platform to foster partnerships that enhance production, income, and profitability across the agricultural ecosystem.
He highlighted that agriculture remains the backbone of the Northern Region’s economy but observed that farmers’ potential is hampered by limited access to markets, financing, infrastructure, and coordination.
“If we are to transform our agricultural sector and create sustainable livelihoods, we must move beyond working in silos. Strengthening linkages between producers, aggregators, processors, buyers, and financial institutions is key to inclusive growth,” he stated.
The minister further emphasised the role of government in creating enabling policies, expanding access to productive assets, improving post-harvest handling, facilitating market access, and reinforcing extension services. He encouraged participants to ensure that discussions at the forum translate into practical partnerships, pilot projects, and scalable solutions that deliver measurable improvements in the lives of farmers and communities across the country.
Dr. Tinah T. Mukundah, National Director of World Vision Ghana, said the Everyone THRIVE initiative, launched in April 2024, targets 160,000 households with the aim of doubling the incomes of 400,000 people over three years. He added that the programme works to strengthen the resilience of households and producer groups, ensuring child well-being through improved economic livelihoods.
Dr. Mukundah also called on private sector players and financial institutions to develop models that recognise rural smallholders as investable producers, urging collaboration with government, civil society, research institutions, and development partners to sustain transformative outcomes.
FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, TAMALE
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