Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | Saturday, May 30, 2026
The Deputy Director of Agriculture at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Francis Kwasi Korankye, has urged policymakers to treat agriculture as a national security priority in the development and application of artificial intelligence technologies.
Speaking at the sixth edition of the Beyond AI Series workshop in Accra, Mr. Korankye said agriculture should not be viewed merely as another sector benefiting from AI but as a strategic national interest requiring special protection.
According to him, data generated within the agricultural sector has become increasingly valuable and must be governed carefully to prevent misuse.
“We need to know where our agricultural data is stored and who is handling it. Those responsible for our data must be accountable under Ghanaian law,” he stated.
Mr. Korankye also challenged long-held perceptions that farming is a punishment or a profession of last resort, arguing that agriculture remains a viable economic activity capable of generating wealth and sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that government policies aimed at increasing food production include support for local poultry production, subsidised agricultural inputs and measures to reduce transportation costs for farmers.
The Deputy Director further highlighted the role of modern technologies such as drones, precision agriculture and smart farming systems in making the sector more attractive to young people.
He explained that these innovations can improve efficiency, reduce labour demands and increase agricultural productivity.
“Emerging technologies have come to help us. We can use drones and AI-powered systems to monitor farms, apply agrochemicals and manage larger areas more efficiently,” he said.
Despite the benefits, Mr. Korankye cautioned that farmers must be equipped with the skills to critically assess information generated by AI systems.
He therefore called for intensified sensitisation and training programmes to help farmers understand and effectively utilise AI technologies for agricultural development.
The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, agriculture and Africa’s food sovereignty while promoting inclusive participation in technological advancement.
