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Abstract
The timely availability of improved seeds at affordable prices is critical to improving food security, resilience, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Seed of improved varieties can deliver state-of-the-art technology to farmers including higher yields, disease and pest resistance, climate change adaptation, and improved nutrition. This report summarizes the key findings of the study conducted by The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) to appraise the structure and economic performance of Ghana’s formal seed sector. With a focus on the four grain and legume crops important to national food and nutritional security (maize, rice, soya bean, and cowpea) the report covers 22 key performance indicators divided into five categories: Research and Development, Industry Competitiveness, Seed Policy and Regulations, Institutional Support, and Service to Smallholder Farmers. We conclude that Ghana’s formal seed sector is in the early growth stage of development. The requisite policy, legal, and regulatory instruments are in place and mostly functional. The government subsidy program, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) has boosted the seed sector in Ghana by providing a reliable channel for marketing certified seed. In addition to these highlights, the report discusses many positive developments as well as areas for improvement in Ghana’s formal seed sector.