Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has met with members of the Ghanaian community in Italy following the conclusion of the 44th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference in Rome.

The meeting served as a platform for engagement and dialogue, focusing on key government policies and initiatives in the agricultural sector.

These included the Feed Ghana programme and the Nkɔkɔ Nkitinkiti initiative, which aims to revive and modernise poultry farming across the country.

Mr. Opoku emphasised the vital role of the diaspora in supporting Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

He encouraged the community to take advantage of ongoing government initiatives and contribute their expertise and resources to the sector’s growth.

During the interaction, members of the Ghanaian community raised concerns about difficulties in obtaining Ghanaian visas, despite being of Ghanaian descent.

They also appealed for employment opportunities at the Ghana Embassy in Italy and requested inclusion in agriculture-related capacity-building programmes offered by the ministry.

In response, the Minister assured them that he would forward their concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

He also reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to the welfare and inclusion of the Ghanaian diaspora in national development efforts.

To support diaspora members already engaged in poultry farming, Mr. Opoku directed that bags of poultry feed be allocated to assist and encourage their agricultural ventures in Ghana.

The meeting underscored the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with Ghanaians abroad and ensuring their active involvement in the country’s development, particularly within the agricultural sector.