‎Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with the Department of Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Francis Kumi has commented on the Finance Minister's 2026 budget statement, with highlight on the government's budgetary allocations on the country's agricultural sector.

‎The 2026 Budget Statement delivered on Thursday, November 13, 2025, unveils a massive investment plan for Ghana's agricultural sector, with the introduction of the Farmer Service Centres (FSC) initiative.

‎Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister in his delivery of the budget announced a capital injection of over 4,000 diverse pieces of machinery intended to revolutionise farm productivity and mechanisation across 50 agriculture districts in the country.

‎Some of these machineries according to the Finance Minister include: tractors, mini tractors, 3-disc ploughs, 4-disc ploughs, mini tractors ploughs, among others. 

‎Dr. Francis Kumi under this initiative, thanked the government for its enormous contribution to Ghana's agricultural sector, but urged for the establishment of a dedicated research center for agricultural machinery.

‎This call to action is driven by the need to increase agricultural productivity, reduce labour costs, and promote sustainable farming practices.

‎Dr. Kumi in an interview with Sompa TV's Eric Annan recounted that this research center will aid foster growth for Ghana's economy.

‎"The objective of this initiative will advance the course research in the area of agricultural mechanisation and the building of machineries for farmers in the country and other African countries "

‎He continued that there are other countries such as "China and India" who have championed this which has helped small scale farmers to contribute their quota for the economic stability and food security.

‎Dr. Kumi further emphasized the need to begin with the building of machinery purposely for the usage of small scale farmers, since their contribution to the country's food security can't be overlooked. Adding that the agricultural sector needs a facelift to improve its production.

‎The UCC Senior Lecturer in a call for technological advancement in cash crops, he noted that "Oil palm plantation, cocoa and others cash crops equally needs new technology in order to increase productivity."

‎By establishing a research center for agricultural machinery, Ghana stands to unlock its full potential of agricultural mechanisation to transform its agricultural sector.

Sompaonline.com/Eric Annan