Breaking Barriers and Sowing Success: SeedLink 2023 Paves the Way for Ghana's Agricultural Growth and Development

November 2023

In the dynamic and enchanting city of Tamale, the stage was set for a ground-breaking event that would contribute to shaping Ghana's agriculture. The 4th National Seed Business and Networking Forum, SeedLink 2023, was a testament to the unwavering dedication of Ghana's agricultural community.

This significant event was a collaboration between the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) and the National Seed Council (NSC) of MoFA with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through AGRA’s Ghana Inclusive Agricultural Transformation (GIAT) Program Phase II, and the Feed the Future Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity and Policy LINK Programme.

Under the theme, "Harnessing Resources, Cultivating Success, and Fostering Synergy in the Seed Industry," the forum unfolded as a platform where knowledge was shared, connections were forged, and a commitment to elevating the quality and availability of seeds in Ghana was embraced.

The year’s event opened its doors for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives: Farmers, researchers, private sector representatives, government officials, and sub-national level representatives converged to create a vibrant tapestry of ideas and insights as a testament to the pivotal role the SSEDLINK plays annually in contributing to shaping the destiny of Ghana's agricultural sector.

In a brief welcome address by the President, Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu, the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) expressed his appreciation to the funding partners for their commitment in ensuring the success of the annual event.

The Honourable Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture (Livestock), Alhaji Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, in his Keynote address highlighted the incredible strides made in the Ghanaian seed sector. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including government initiatives and the support of partners, has played a pivotal role in fostering the production and distribution of certified seeds to farmers across the country. Notably, the production of certified seeds surged by approximately 44.5% from 2020 to 2021, showcasing an unwavering commitment to providing farmers with high-quality seeds. In his statement, he mentioned that “Ghana's efforts to strengthen the agricultural value chain have also garnered substantial support, with initiatives like the USD 28.91 million grant from the African Development Bank aimed at promoting the production of certified seeds. The diminishing availability of arable land has posed a challenge, but it has also served as a catalyst for the seed industry. The progressive increased demand for certified seeds in particular of high-yielding and hybrid varieties, has been pivotal in increasing agricultural productivity in the past few years”.

With the institution of the National Seed Business and Networking Forum (SeedLink) coupled with commitments from all stakeholders, the gains made cannot be underestimated. Significantly, the collective voice of the stakeholders resulted in the passage of seed-related policies notably, the Seed Certification and Standard Regulation in 2018, the Plant Variety Protection Act in 2020, and its consequent Regulations in 2022. The enactment of these policies signifies Ghana's commitment to ensuring seed quality, safety, and accessibility for farmers.

SeedLink 2023, held in Tamale, marked a departure from Accra, offering a unique grassroots experience. Participants at the end of each presentation got a clearer understanding into the dictates of the Seed Certification and Standard Regulation, the Plant Variety Protection Act and its Regulations, the National Seed Demand Forecasting Tool and what it seeks to achieve and Progress made in Biotechnology in the Seed Industry. SeedLink 2023 wasn't just a conference; it was an exhilarating journey of discovery and enlightenment, where learning was seamlessly woven into the fabric of enjoyment.

The communique presented at the end of the 2-day event addressed issues from the grassroot level, focusing on:

• Challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing certified seeds.
• Issues related to seed storage facilities and accessibility.
• Mechanisms to reduce the counterfeiting and adulteration of seeds.
• The importance of promoting and ensuring awareness about certified seeds among farmers.

SeedLink 2023 extends its sincere appreciation to our event sponsors, whose invaluable support has been instrumental in making this year's event a resounding success. We are grateful to Antika Company Ltd, Agrisolve Company Ltd, LCIC, Qualiseed Company Ltd, Mayiya Investments Limited, CAB International, Dinmbone Farm Gates Company Ltd, SMG Ghana Ltd, M&B Seeds and Agricultural Services Ltd, AFSTA, and Calli Ghana Ltd for their unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Your partnership has added a layer of intrigue to the event's success.

EVENT GALLERY