Ghana is in talks with Ukraine over plans to establish a wheat flour processing plant as government moves to reduce heavy reliance on imports and strengthen local food security.

The discussions were held in Accra between the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food, Denys Bashlyk.

The proposal forms part of efforts to shift Ghana from being a net importer of wheat to a country that adds value through local processing and regional distribution.

Officials say the planned facility is expected to fall under a broader cooperation framework agreed in 2025, which aims to position Ghana as a hub for Ukrainian agricultural products in West Africa.

Ghana’s wheat imports have risen sharply in recent years, increasing by about 57% over the past four years to roughly 1.09 million tonnes in 2025, driven by rising demand for bread and other wheat-based foods.

The growing import bill has heightened concerns about exposure to global shocks, particularly following disruptions to grain supply chains linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine, one of the world’s leading wheat exporters, is also seeking to expand its agricultural footprint in Africa as it diversifies its export markets amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.

Beyond the proposed plant, the two countries are also exploring wider cooperation, including support for Ghanaian farmers through seed distribution and investment in storage and value chain infrastructure.

The Agriculture Minister says the partnership aligns with the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which seeks to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on food imports.