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Annex 1: Government of Ghana Key Policy Commitments
SEE: Ghana_web.pdf http://feedthefuture.gov/sites/default/files/resource/files/Ghana_web.pdf 

Policy Indicators

 Improved score on Doing Business Index

 Increased $ value of new private-sector investment in the agricultural sector

 % increase in private investment in commercial production and sale of seeds

Objective

Framework Policy Actions

Timeline

Establish policy that enables theprivate sector to develop,commercialize, and use improved inputs to increase smallholder productivity and incomes

1.

Regulations developed to implement the new seed law, specifically:

Seed registry system established.

Protocols for variety testing, release and registration, authorization to conduct field inspections, seed sampling, and seed testing developed.

Standards for seed classification and certification established. June 2013

2.

New agricultural input policy for fertilizer and certified seed use developed that includes:

Clearly defined role of government in fertilizer and seed marketing;

Clearly defined role of government’s CSIR and Grains & Legumes Board; and

Defined role of private sector in breeding. December 2013

Create a secure investment climate for investors by reducing transaction costs and risks
3.

Database of suitable land for investors established*

1,000 ha registered December 2013

4,500 ha registered December 2014

10,000 ha registered December 2015

4.

Pilot model lease agreements** for 5,000 ha of land in database established. December 2015

5.

Clear procedures to channel investor interest (including that related to value-added agricultural processing) to appropriate agencies*** completed. December 2013

Support transparent, inclusive, evidence-based policy formulation process based on quality data and sound evidence that leads to increased investment in agriculture
6.

New Ghana Agricultural Production Survey (GAPS)stood up:

Piloted data release July 2012

2nd phase completed September 2013
New national agriculture survey data released May 2014
7.

Private sector representatives of key grain value chains appointed to the MOFA Post HarvestCommittee.**** December 2013

* This database is essentially a ‘land bank’ but in the Ghanaian context it’s a land database. In the case of land under traditional ownership, due diligence and sensitization of surrounding communities will promote an understanding of the rights and obligations from subsequent lease agreements.

**For outgrower schemes, contract farming, etc.

*** To provide a transparent and structured way for investors of all types to avoid extra transaction costs and need to reduce their perceived risk of approaching government to manage access to, and security of land.

**** This is a recommendation made by the private sector. This committee establishes the floor price for the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO)