News Desk Report
Ghana’s push toward agricultural transformation is gaining renewed momentum as large-scale private investments begin to reshape the structure and potential of the sector. One such example is Nobi Agriculture, a rapidly expanding farming enterprise in the Afram Plains, spearheaded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Kwame Awuah-Darko.
Spanning a planned 21,000 acres, the project represents a shift from traditional farming practices to a modern, integrated agricultural system—one that combines irrigation, research, processing, and storage into a single, efficient value chain. Currently, about 7,000 acres are under active development in the project’s first phase.
The growing national importance of the initiative was underscored on March 21, 2026, when President John Dramani Mahama visited the Sikasu farm in the Afram Plains alongside the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku. The high-level visit reflects increasing government interest in private-sector-led agricultural transformation.
During the tour, the delegation inspected key components of the project, including its irrigation systems, rice fields, research facilities, warehouses, silos, and processing units. The visit offered firsthand insight into how large-scale, coordinated investment is redefining farming in Ghana.
At the core of Nobi Agriculture’s operations is a strong emphasis on infrastructure. A 23-acre reservoir with a storage capacity of 1.2 million cubic metres of water supports year-round irrigation, helping to mitigate the impact of erratic rainfall patterns that have long affected farming in the region.
Beyond cultivation, the project has made significant investments in post-harvest management. Its processing complex includes a rice mill capable of producing three tonnes per hour, supported by drying facilities, modern warehousing, and silo storage with a capacity of 1,300 metric tonnes. These additions are critical in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition within the agricultural chain.
The results of this integrated approach are already evident. Average rice yields on the farm currently stand at approximately 3.5 tonnes per acre, a notable improvement driven by better seed selection, irrigation, and modern agronomic practices.
Equally important is the project’s focus on research and innovation. A rice research institute within the farm is dedicated to developing indigenous seed varieties tailored to Ghana’s climate and soil conditions. This effort is expected to strengthen local seed systems and reduce dependence on imported varieties.
For Kwame Awuah-Darko, the vision extends beyond farming. His approach positions agriculture as a fully integrated industry—one that requires sustained investment, scientific input, and long-term planning to thrive.
The project is also making a tangible impact on the local economy, providing over 150 direct jobs to Ghanaian youth while equipping them with skills in modern agricultural techniques.
Nobi Agriculture aligns closely with broader national development strategies, including the government’s vision for a 24-Hour Economy and the Volta Economic Corridor initiative, both of which emphasize productivity, industrialization, and job creation within key sectors such as agriculture.
The visit by President John Dramani Mahama and Minister Eric Opoku further highlighted government recognition of the project’s impact. Both leaders expressed admiration for the scale of work undertaken and the model being developed under Awuah-Darko’s leadership.
source:www.senaradioonline.com
