His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Vegetable Development Project popularly called “Yeredua”, a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at expanding vegetable production, enhancing food security and creating sustainable employment for youth and farmers in the Ahafo Region. The launch took place on Thursday, 27th November 2025, at Kukuom, the capital of the Asunafo South District.
The “Yeredua” Project forms part of the government’s broader Feed Ghana agenda which aims to modernize agriculture, improve the agribusiness value chain and position vegetable farming as a competitive economic activity nationwide. The initiative is also expected to promote irrigation-based farming, support export-oriented vegetable production, and increase incomes for smallholder farmers.
The programme brought together dignitaries including Regional and District Heads of Department, traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, representatives of farmer-based associations, development partners, the media, government officials, Staff of the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council and the general public.
Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister, warmly welcomed His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and all dignitaries to the Ahafo Region. She expressed her gratitude for the President’s visit and highlighted the significance of the Vegetable Development (Yeredua) Project for the region’s agricultural development.
In her address, the Regional Minister spoke on key infrastructure projects, particularly the Goaso–Sunyani and Goaso–Maabang roads, acknowledging the ongoing construction works. She thanked the President for the initiatives, stressing that the completion of these roads will enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and support local economic growth.
She finally encouraged the youth to actively engage in agriculture, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Yeredua Vegetable Development Project to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the region’s economic transformation.
Nana Wireko Ampem, the Krontihene of Kukuom, speaking on behalf of the Traditional Council, warmly welcomed President John Dramani Mahama and all dignitaries present. In his address, Nana Wireko Ampem highlighted key development priorities for the community and district. He appealed for the establishment of an Islamic University College in the Asunafo South District, emphasizing the transformative impact such an institution would have on education, youth empowerment, and community development.
He also drew attention to the critical Asunafo South road network, urging the government to prioritize their rehabilitation and completion to improve accessibility, enhance trade, and facilitate socio-economic growth in the region.
Further, Nana Wireko Ampem requested that the Agenda 111 hospital project started by the previous government be included among the 10 hospital projects to be selected by the government, noting the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in the district. He also urged the government to provide attention and support to the Agricultural Senior High School in Kukuom, stressing the importance of developing quality agricultural education to nurture future farmers and agribusiness leaders.
He concluded by pledging the full support of the traditional authorities and the community for the successful implementation of the Vegetable Development (Yeredua) Project, assuring that the chiefs and people would collaborate to ensure its sustainability and positive impact on the district’s agricultural development.
Hon. Eric Opoku, who doubles as the Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, addressed the gathering, explaining the purpose and significance of the Vegetable Development Project. He highlighted that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, create employment opportunities and strengthen agribusiness value chains in the Ahafo Region and beyond.
He further emphasized that the programme is designed to provide farmers with technical support, improved seeds, fertilizers, and access to modern irrigation and mechanized farming tools, enabling them to increase production and profitability. Hon. Opoku encouraged all stakeholders, including youth, women, and local farmer groups, to actively participate in the project to ensure its success and sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s agricultural landscape through innovation, mechanization and inclusive support systems. He described the Yeredua initiative as a major step toward Ghana’s agricultural renewal, especially for young people and women seeking viable economic opportunities.
The President explained that the project will provide beneficiary farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, modern farm tools, irrigation access, and technical assistance. He emphasized that the Yeredua Project is designed not only to boost vegetable productivity but also to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen local markets and create opportunities for agro-processing.
President Mahama also highlighted the project’s potential to stimulate economic growth in Kukuom and its surrounding communities. He encouraged the youth of the Ahafo Region to fully embrace the programme, noting that vegetable farming has become a profitable commercial activity with increasing demand both locally and internationally.
Traditional leaders in the area expressed their appreciation to the government for selecting Kukuom as a major beneficiary community and pledged their full support to ensure the project’s success.
District authorities also welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with the region’s development priorities in agriculture and livelihood improvement. They assured President Mahama of their commitment to facilitating coordination among stakeholders and providing essential support services to farmers.
With the launch completed, the Yeredua Vegetable Development Project is expected to move into full implementation, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to modernize agriculture and create sustainable agribusiness opportunities in the Ahafo Region.
