Ghana: celebrating World Food Day for better food and a better future

World Food Day raises awareness about the need for safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all, at a time when agrifood systems are under increasing pressure. From conflict and extreme weather events to economic shocks and urbanization, the pressures on the land we farm, the water we rely on, and the biodiversity that sustains life have never been greater. Fragile supply chains mean that disruptions are felt not only in fields and markets but also in homes around the world.

Today, an estimated 673 million people live with hunger, while in other parts of the world, rising obesity rates and widespread food waste reveal a system out of balance. West and Central Africa sit on one side of this scale, where over 36 million people struggle to feed themselves, and this number will probably rise to more than 50 million during the lean season from June to August, according to WFP. Nigeria is among the most affected countries, while nearby Ghana faces similar challenges of its own. Yet as one of West Africa’s more stable economies, Ghana provides an important case for understanding how regional efforts can strengthen food security and resilience.

To address these challenges, the Government of Ghana launched the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), part of the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation (AETA) agenda, which aims to reduce import dependence, boost local production, and build a more resilient agricultural economy. According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), about 2.4 million people (roughly 7.4% of the population) are vulnerable to food insecurity. This is largely due to limited access to quality seeds, inefficient farming practices, and a lack of proper infrastructure for storage and processing. The FGP tackles these challenges, improving productivity while creating a stronger foundation for sustainable food systems.

Partnerships that feed the future

As the Netherlands, we share this ambition. Our vision is to see West African countries stand as resilient pillars within the global food system, able to withstand, adapt to, and recover from environmental, economic, and social challenges. By sharing expertise and investing in key sectors such as horticulture and seeds, we help drive sustainable agricultural growth and food security.

Among the initiatives contributing to this shared mission, the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) brings together changemakers from government, business, research, and civil society to accelerate food systems transformation. This year’s World Food Day theme, “Partnerships that Feed the Future,” reflects the belief that cross-sector cooperation is essential for building healthy and inclusive food systems.

In Ghana, this collaboration takes shape through several innovative partnerships. The Accelerating Climate-smart Horticulture Innovation (ACHI) - a partnership between TU Delft, Holland Greentech Ghana, and Kwadaso Agricultural College - trains young Ghanaians in climate-smart and entrepreneurial farming practices. Meanwhile, the Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) Project helps preserve Ghana’s agricultural biodiversity through a community seed bank in Adawso, empowering farmers to conserve traditional, nutrient-rich crops.

Recent collaborations include the Ghana Seed Sector Assessment by Wageningen University & Research, SeedNL, IDH, and the Netherlands Embassy, which forms the basis for the upcoming Ghana–Netherlands Seed Partnership (GNSP) aimed at improving access to quality, climate-resilient seeds. This initiative will officially launch during the Agrofood Fair in Accra on October 29, alongside the Dutch trade mission.

Together, these examples showcase how Dutch–Ghana partnerships translate knowledge into action, working hand in hand toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.

80 years of FAO

This year marks the anniversary of 80 years of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The FAO helps the world tackle hunger by bringing countries together to collaborate and share solutions. It also provides practical knowledge and guidance to support sustainable and resilient food systems. The FAO’s work contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (biodiversity conservation).

Events in Accra - 16 October 2025

World Food Day 2025 will be celebrated across Ghana with inspiring community and educational events:

• Chef Abbys will host the Big Street Feast on 16 October, bringing food trucks and vendors to Accra’s streets under the theme “Wherever You Are, Food Will Find You.” Thousands of free meals will be shared, highlighting how food can unite communities and bring hope.
• At the Hope Land Training Center, ChefLifestyle organizes the Cook & Share Community Kitchen, where street-connected children learn to prepare nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients. The initiative combines hands-on cooking, mentorship, and nutrition education in a festive setting.
• The FAO marks its 80th anniversary with a special exhibition at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, showcasing eight decades of work in Africa and emphasizing sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
• Finally, the Netherlands Embassy will host a mini greenhouse in its garden, featuring products from Dutch–Ghanaian agrifood innovators, where we showcase their knowledge and expertise. Over the coming week, social media posts will highlight each innovation, giving those who cannot visit in person a closer look at the solutions shaping Ghana’s food future.

Looking Ahead

World Food Day is a reminder that food connects us all, across communities and continents. The Dutch Embassy in Ghana remains committed to supporting the country’s journey toward safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for everyone. Through continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation, we aim to empower local farmers, strengthen food systems, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient future.

More information

For more information about the innovative partnerships between the Netherlands and Ghana working towards building a resilient global food system, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team in Accra: ACC-LVVN@minbuza.nl.