How can we transform an agricultural system, ensure food security, and drive economic growth? It begins with one essential input: strong, innovative, high-quality, and competitive seed.
“None of these ambitions can be possible if our seed system remains fragmented, undercapitalized, and unable to move improved varieties from breeders to farmers at scale. Our aim is not to create barriers for farmers, but to balance affordable access to quality seeds with clear rules on ownership, revenue sharing, and technology transfer. This will ensure that investment in new varieties is rewarded while counterfeiting is deterred.” It was on this note that Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor for the 24-Hour Economy, opened the National Seed Strategy Roundtable.
Beeld: Official opening of the National Seed System Reset
On 16 and 17 March, around 120 leaders from government, research institutions, the private sector, farmer organizations and development partners met for a two‑day National Seed System Reset under the theme “Building Ghana’s Seed Delivery System - A National Policy and Execution Convening.”
Hosted by West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) and co‑convened by the 24H+ Secretariat, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana and other national institutions, with support from the British High Commission and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the roundtable was designed as an execution platform rather than another general policy dialogue.
Day One: Exhibition and Farm Tour -Bridging Innovation and Practice
The opening day focused on showcasing innovation, technology and best practices in the seed sector, featuring an exhibition, a visit to a research facility and a farm tour. The exhibition was officially inaugurated by the Presidential Advisor and Head of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Ambassador Augustus Goosie Tanoh, signalling strong government commitment to advancing Ghana’s seed sector.
Beeld: Figure 2. Exhibition tour showcasing innovations, technologies, and best practices in the seed sector
The exhibition featured over 18 organisations and institutions from both the Ghanaian and Dutch side including East West Seeds, Rijk Zwaan, Bakker Brothers, IWAD, CSIR alongside key development partners. Together, they showcased advancements across the seed value chain from breeding and variety development to processing, certification, and distribution. This was followed by an inspiring farm tour at the Vegetable Center of Excellence, which grounded these discussions in real-world application. Attendees observed firsthand the performance of improved crop and vegetable varieties and gained insights into best agronomic practices. The day ended with a tour of WACCI seed laboratories, and technologies.
Beeld: Figure 3. Multiplication of plant material at the laboratory of WACCI
Day Two: Driving Policy and Strategic Alignment
The second day featured a high-level policy dialogue focused on addressing systemic challenges within Ghana’s seed sector and exploring examples of national seed development initiatives across the region. Discussions were open and solution-oriented, addressing critical areas such as regulatory harmonization, quality assurance systems, private sector participation, and the need for coordinated investment across the seed value chain. Presentation from National and international institutions such as SEEDNL on the Dutch Diamond Approach paved the way for great interaction among stakeholders.
In a goodwill message, H.E. Jeroen Verheul, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ghana, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting the development of Ghana’s seed sector. He also stressed that achieving long-term agricultural transformation and growth requires addressing key barriers and investing in market infrastructure.
Launch of the National Seed Taskforce
A major highlight of the roundtable was the official launch of a National Seed Taskforce with the Embassy of the Netherlands co-leading the Policy and Regulatory Framework subgroup. The taskforce is expected to play a central role in advancing the strategic priorities identified during the roundtable, fostering coordination, accountability, and sustained engagement across the overall seed system.
Looking Ahead
The Grow24 National Seed Strategy Roundtable marked an important milestone in Ghana’s agricultural development agenda. By combining practical exposure with policy dialogue, the event successfully bridged the gap between innovation and implementation.
As the newly launched National Seed Taskforce begins its work, there is renewed optimism that the momentum generated during these two days will translate into concrete actions. Strengthening seed systems is not just a technical imperative, it is a strategic investment in the future of agriculture, livelihoods, and food security.
Next on the Grow24 agenda: fertilizers.
Beeld: The Vegetable Center of Excellence, a collaboration between Defarmercist in partnership with MTN Ghana Foundation and the UG School of Agriculture
More information
For more information on the cooperation between the Netherlands and Ghana, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team in Accra: ACC-LVVN@minbuza.nl.