The discussions covered key upcoming global and regional milestones including the FAO’s 80th anniversary throughout 2025, the 44th Session of the FAO Con­ference to be held in Rome from June 28 to July 4, 2025, the World Food Forum scheduled for October 2025, FAO’s global exhibition ‘From Seeds to Foods’ and the launch of the FAO Museum, both also scheduled in October during the World Food Forum, and the ongoing Country Office strengthening process to enhance FAO’s delivery as One FAO.

Conferring in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Abebe Haile-Gabriel assured of the FAO’s continued close collaboration with the Government of Ghana.

The pair reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between FAO and Ghana and exchanged views on collaborating on priority areas for joint action, particularly the Feed Ghana Programme, an initiative of Government to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and reduce food imports.

“The two of us have a common goal: achieving food security and nutrition for everybody,” the Minister said.

This is the largest UN agency in Ghana by virtue of its regional headquarters for Africa based in Accra, as well as the FAO Ghana country office.

“We see FAO’s Regional Office for Af­rica as a huge blessing to the nation. This is an opportunity for us to impact on the lives of the people,” Mr Opoku noted.

On his part, Mr Haile-Gabriel said the FAO considers Ghana as a worthy partner in ensuring food security and sustainability in the subregion.

He assured of his support for the John Mahama-led government to execute its policies in the agric sector which he believed hold the key to Ghana’s develop­ment.

The FAO is currently supporting a range of initiatives in Ghana, including improving food security response in northern Ghana in partnership with the European Union, and supporting women fonio producers.

Other areas include strengthening the soybean value chain under the One Country One Priority Product initiative, enhancing fisheries governance, and preventing transboundary animal diseases, among others.