Agric Minister test-driving the tractor

Minister of Food and Agriculture Courts Turkish Tractor Manufacturer to Boost Ghana’s Agricultural Mechanization

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has taken a bold step toward transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector by engaging Turkish tractor manufacturer, Hattat Traktör, to establish an assembly plant in the country.

This move forms part of a broader government initiative to mechanize agriculture and make farming equipment more accessible to farmers through a Farmer Service Centre model.

During a working visit to the company’s production facility in Istanbul, Mr. Opoku toured the Hattat Traktör factory to assess its production capacity and the suitability of its products for Ghana’s agricultural terrain.

Hattat Traktör, a well-established name in the tractor manufacturing industry, boasts an annual production capacity of 2,500 units and employs 3,097 workers.

Accompanied by his technical adviser, Mr. Kwasi Etu-Bonde, the Minister explored how Ghana could benefit from the company’s expertise. He also personally tested some of the tractors to evaluate their performance and adaptability to Ghanaian soil conditions.

Impressed by the company’s understanding of Africa’s agricultural needs, Minister Opoku noted that Hattat Traktör manufactures tractors that rely on mechanical rather than electronic systems—a practical approach given the unique farming conditions on the continent.

“The company understands the African terrain and produces tractors that are robust, simple to operate, and ideal for small- to medium-scale farmers. This is exactly what Ghana needs,” the Minister remarked.

A key highlight of the visit was Mr. Opoku’s advocacy for the establishment of a tractor assembly plant in Ghana. Following fruitful discussions, Hattat Traktör agreed to provide technical support to its Ghanaian partner, 10G Globaltech Ltd, to set up the assembly plant in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

This collaboration is expected to play a vital role in the mechanization of Ghana’s agriculture sector, reduce the country's dependency on imported farming equipment, and ensure sustainable access to affordable, locally assembled tractors for farmers.

Hattat Traktör expressed satisfaction with the discussions and affirmed its readiness to partner with Ghana to boost food production through innovation and localized support.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader agenda to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and enhance food security through strategic partnerships and investment in agro-industrial infrastructure.