This marks an alarming increase of roughly 161 million from the previous year.
With only five years to address this escalating crisis, experts emphasize the urgency of revitalizing Ghana's seed system as a fundamental step toward eradicating hunger.

Speaking in an interview with Mr. Padmore Adu-Antwi, a seed scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi, stressed that the current problem of hunger was graver than ever, mainly due to the rapidly growing global population and climate change.

"The seed sector is pivotal in enhancing agricultural production, which in turn is essential for achieving a hunger-free world," he stated.

Despite its importance, the seed sector in Ghana has been largely overlooked. As Mr. Adu-Antwi pointed out, "Seeds are the building blocks of food production. Without them, agricultural production is impossible, and ultimately, no mouths would be fed."

He further noted that focusing on the seed system was essential for achieving food security, stating, "It is absurd to talk about food security without first addressing the seed system."

The seed system encompasses a range of activities leading to variety development, seed production, conditioning, and distribution to farmers.
A robust seed system ensures quality seeds are available, accessible, and affordable while maintaining genetic variability in crop plants.

Mr. Adu-Antwi emphasized that neglecting the seed sector is tantamount to disregarding Sustainable Development Goal Two, which aims for zero hunger: "This neglect makes the attainment of zero hunger an eternal mirage."

He also highlighted that Ghana's seed market has potential for growth. "A report from Zion Market Research indicates the global seed market was valued at approximately USD 61.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach around USD 107.8 billion by 2030," he noted.

Additionally, Ghana's seed market itself is projected to grow from USD 8.97 million in 2023 to USD 10.70 million by 2028, according to Mordor Intelligence.

"All stakeholders, including government, national agricultural research institutes (NARIS), seed businesses, and farmers must collaborate to make the seed sector vibrant and impactful," he urged.

Even though Ghana's seed sector is privatized, the government plays an essential role in establishing policy and regulatory frameworks to support seed companies.

The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, regulates seed production activities and ensures compliance with laws governing seed processing and storage.

Mr. Adu-Antwi called for better resourcing of bodies like the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) and the Ghana Seed Inspection Division (GSID) to enable them to fulfill their mandates effectively.

Moreover, he argued that government allocations for research and development in agriculture must increase, stating, "It is appalling that less than 1% of GDP has historically been allocated for R&D."

He highlighted the need for NARIS to intensify their research efforts, focusing on improving locally grown seeds. With only about 30% of farmers in Ghana using certified seeds as of 2022, Mr. Adu-Antwi noted, "The majority of Ghanaian farmers still recycle their saved seeds, which contributes to their low yields."

He urged farmers to adopt locally improved certified seeds over recycled ones, saying "This shift is crucial for improving our agricultural output."

Finally, Mr. Adu-Antwi called for greater support for the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG), which unites all seed value chain actors.

"Building the technical capacity of these actors will enhance the competitiveness of the entire sector," he said.

As Ghana moves forward, a vibrant domestic seed system stands as the cornerstone of increased food production. "Until the government gives the seed system the right push, achieving food security in Ghana will remain elusive. Indeed, first things first!" Mr. Adu-Antwi stated.