Ghana partners firm to establish organic fertilizer plant

Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OMANBAPA AgriTech Limited to establish a facility for producing organic fertilizer in the Bono Region. This initiative is designed to enhance soil health, reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers, and increase national food production.

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The government was concerned about the condition of the soil and had therefore, embraced the initiative to safeguard it for the future.

The plant will process agricultural waste, such as maize chaff and other crop residues, into organic fertilizer. This process not only addresses waste management but also provides an additional income source for farmers who can sell their crop waste. The project aligns with the government's broader strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure food security for future generations.

Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, emphasized the government's concern for soil condition and its commitment to safeguarding it. He noted that the ministry's technical assessment, conducted by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), confirmed the organic fertilizer meets required standards and has the potential to improve agricultural productivity. Field trials with selected farmers yielded positive feedback, validating the product's effectiveness.

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Instead of discarding such materials, farmers would now earn additional income by selling them as raw materials for fertiliser production.

Mr. Opoku highlighted that the project tackles two key challenges simultaneously: supplying farmers with organic fertilizer and creating a market for agricultural residues. He assured OMANBAPA AgriTech Limited of the ministry's full support, underscoring the importance of private sector collaboration in achieving national food security goals. The factory aims to supply both the domestic market and neighboring West African countries, where interest has already been expressed.

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The minister added that the factory would serve both the local market and neighbouring West African countries, where interest in the product had already been expressed.

OMANBAPA AgriTech Limited's CEO, Bernard Oduro Takyi, pledged the company's commitment to timely project delivery. He stated the company plans to produce between 30,000 and 40,000 metric tons of blended organic fertilizer annually during the first phase, with capacity increasing to 50,000-60,000 metric tons within three to five years.

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He assured the company of the ministry’s full support, stressing that collaboration with the private sector remained essential to achieving national food security, particularly as agriculture in Ghana was largely private sector-driven.