Findings from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVAM) survey indicate that one in three households in the country is facing food pressure.

According to the survey, while most households appear food secure, many are increasingly struggling behind the scenes to cope.

However, most people are managing to eat adequately. The report indicates that about 91 percent of Ghanaians maintain acceptable food consumption levels, citing overall stability in the country

Consequently, “these patterns highlight the importance of looking beyond national averages to understand disparities and emerging risks,” the report stated.

Households are increasingly reducing portion sizes, switching to cheaper foods, and borrowing are clear signs of pressure on livelihoods.

Another call for concern stated in the report is that about 25% of households have set coping strategies, including selling productive assets and cutting spending on health and education.

“Even where food consumption appears stable today, many households are under pressure and are drawing down their ability to cope tomorrow,” the report warned.

The data also reveals sharp regional disparities, with the North East, Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions recording significantly higher levels of vulnerability compared to the southern parts of the country.

Beyond geography, the report identifies education, livelihood type, and access to markets as key drivers of food insecurity.

Also, social protection from the government is low, citing that only 1.5 percent of households reported receiving any form of assistance. The report emphasises that timely, targeted interventions are critical to prevent conditions from worsening.

“This report is not just a presentation of data. It is a call to act,” the GSS stressed.

It added that while many households are coping for now, the growing reliance on survival strategies could deepen vulnerability if left unaddressed.

“Without timely and coordinated action, these pressures can deepen into more severe food insecurity,” the report cautioned.

The Ghana Statistical Service is urging policymakers to prioritise vulnerable populations and ensure that data-driven interventions reach those most at risk.

Meanwhile, in December last year, President John Dramani Mahama said the government was preparing to introduce a significant new policy called the School Agriculture Programme, designed to boost the nation’s food security by giving students hands-on training in agriculture.

Addressing the National Farmers’ Day event in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, President Mahama explained that the initiative would mandate every secondary

and tertiary institution to run its own school farm.

“We are asking all secondary schools and tertiary education institutions to have a school farm. They can produce their own chickens; they can raise livestock such as goats, sheep, and even larger animals like cattle. They can also grow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, okra, and other crops they consume,” he said.

The President noted that a National School Agriculture Coordinator had already been designated to lead the programme and oversee its nationwide rollout.

He added that he was confident the initiative would improve hands-on learning for students while helping to boost the country’s overall food production.

The School Agriculture Programme was expected to promote self-sufficiency in schools while encouraging young people to develop a greater interest in agriculture.

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman revealed that the government would soon engage five thousand (5,000) graduates in agriculture and veterinary science to support farmers nationwide.

The initiative was aimed at closing the gap between research findings and practical application in the agricultural sector.

She made this known at the 2025 Asogli Yam Festival held in the Volta Region on October 4, 2025.

The annual festival, also called Asogli Te Za, began on July 14 and concluded on October 5 under the theme, “Together in Honesty and Purpose, We Build a Just, Peaceful and Prosperous Nation.”

The celebration highlighted the importance of unity, transparency, and national growth.

It featured lively cultural performances, drumming, and traditional dances.

It sought to foster peace and togetherness, preserve cultural values, and boost tourism and local business growth in the Volta Region.

The festival brought the Asogli people together to honour the yam harvest and celebrate their enduring culture.

A colourful durbar took place on October 4 to climax the festival.

“Indeed, the Volta Region is showing her potential to be our agricultural backbone under the Feed Ghana Programme. With an irrigation system that is underutilised and ready to be rehabilitated, the region is ideally placed to scale up crop production, especially rice and yams.”

The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, urged leaders, including chiefs and politicians, to demonstrate commitment to national development. He described corruption as a major cause of the country’s underdevelopment and called for honesty to build a united Ghana.

Meanwhile, in July 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Imane Ouaadil, on July 28, handed over two thousand (2,000) tonnes of fertiliser, equivalent to 40,000 bags, to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fertiliser was donated by Morocco during Mr Ablakwa’s official visit, as part of both countries’ commitment to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security.