Ghana – Vision 2020.

The Vision 2020 is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach and in line with the National Development Policy Framework and the Co-ordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies. The timeframe of the policy is 25 years between 1996 and 2020. The overall objective of the Vision 2020 is to become a middle-income country by 2020 through human development, economic growth, rural development, urban development and an enabling environment.
Food and nutrition security and access to health services, safe drinking water and sanitation will be improved especially among the poor and disadvantaged groups in society. Measures will be taken to reduce infant, child and maternal mortality rate. Health and nutrition status of women will be improved. Adequate and healthy nutrition programs will be carried out at national, community and household level. Community-based surveillance and promotion programs will be established. Food security will be ensured through increased production in livestock, poultry and fisheries. Early warning system will be strengthened for immediate hunger relief interventions. Public awareness will be raised on healthy nutrition and breastfeeding.
Production in agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors will be increased in an environmentally sustainable manner. Measures will be taken to reduce post-harvest losses and for soil conservation as well as for irrigation.
Agricultural extension services will be strengthened to provide assistance to farmers in the fields of agriculture, agro-forestry, animal production, veterinary services, fishery, forestry, and equipment and supplies. In order to accelerate rural development, poverty will be reduced by increasing average incomes, equalizing incomes and opportunities and by providing employment and in addition poverty alleviation measures will be carried out in both rural and urban areas with a special emphasis on vulnerable and disadvantaged population. Education system including basic education and vocational training will be improved with a gender sensitive approach to ensure capacity building for self-employment in rural sectors. Furthermore women’s access to natural resources will be increased.
Financial agricultural measures will be taken to encourage farmers, including women, by giving credits especially in the agriculture sector. Land use planning will be improved according to agricultural modernization. Use of renewable energy resources will be promoted for energy efficiency. Sewerage system will be improved and waste management will be developed to protect public health by eliminating water-borne diseases and to ensure access to safe drinking water. Water management will be developed to improve water supply both quantitatively and qualitatively and public awareness will be raised on water efficiency. Agricultural service and industrial technology transfer agencies will be established to provide assistance particularly to small-scale entrepreneurs.
State agencies will be coordinated at national, sectoral, regional and district level.