The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) is set to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s agricultural revolution under the government’s newly launched Grow24 initiative, leveraging lessons and infrastructure from the successful $547 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
This strategic alignment was revealed by MiDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, in an exclusive interview, where he described the agency’s expanded mandate as a “national delivery engine” for agricultural transformation.
Grow24: A vision rooted in innovation and urgency
Grow24 is the flagship agricultural policy of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader “24hr+” development agenda, aimed at reimagining Ghana’s economy for round-the-clock productivity. At the centre of this bold policy is the Volta Economic Corridor, a mega project that seeks to irrigate over two million hectares of land to support large-scale, commercially viable farming operations.
MiDA, originally tasked with implementing the U.S.-funded MCC Compact, is now being repositioned to lead the charge in scaling up Ghana’s food production systems, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and strengthening rural economies.
MCC compact laid the groundwork
According to Mr. Mould, MiDA’s rich institutional experience in executing high-impact infrastructure, energy, and agro-industrial programs places it in prime position to deliver the scale and quality demanded by Grow24.
“Through the MCC Compact, we developed proven, high-impact models ready for nationwide implementation,” Mr. Mould said. “We’re now building on that foundation to support food security, economic diversification, and rural industrialization under Grow24.”
One of the most impactful components of the MCC Compact was the $189 million Agriculture Project, which included the Land Tenure Facilitation (LTF) Activity.
This pilot program focused on securing land rights, encouraging private investment in agriculture, and boosting productivity—especially for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.
Scaling precision agriculture and irrigation engineering
Mr. Mould explained that MiDA will adapt and expand key components from the MCC’s Agricultural Project, including land preparation, irrigation engineering, and integrated agronomic systems, to meet Grow24’s ambitious targets.
He noted that land clearing and leveling is already underway, using precision methods tailored to Ghana’s diverse landscapes, coupled with the design of advanced irrigation systems.
These systems are intended to provide year-round water access, maximize crop yields, and reduce climate vulnerability for farmers.
“This is not just about digging canals or building dams,” Mr. Mould emphasized. “We’re applying agricultural science, economic modeling, and environmental engineering to create sustainable, industrial-scale farms that are resilient, productive, and globally competitive.”
Flagship of the Grow24 Agenda
The Volta Economic Corridor is envisioned as the primary engine of Grow24’s success.
Stretching across one of Ghana’s most fertile regions, the corridor will house agro-industrial zones, modern irrigation networks, and logistics hubs to support both domestic food security and exports.
Mr. Mould stressed that the Volta project will not only boost food production but also unlock thousands of jobs, enhance regional trade, and catalyze rural development.
“MiDA’s role will be to provide the technical and managerial backbone to ensure long-term success,” he said. “This includes monitoring delivery timelines, ensuring value for money, and promoting innovation across all stages of the agricultural value chain.”
From compact to corridor
The transition from managing a U.S.-backed compact to becoming the lead implementer of a national policy marks a major shift for MiDA. But Mr. Mould insists the agency is ready for the task.
“Grow24 represents a bold new vision for agricultural development in Ghana, and MiDA is fully prepared to deliver on that promise,” he added.
A New Era for Ghanaian Agriculture
With MiDA at the helm and the Volta Economic Corridor as its spearhead, Grow24 promises to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape, making it more modern, inclusive, and commercially driven.
