Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has revealed how a casual conversation unexpectedly led him into coconut farming and agribusiness during the Coconut Day event at the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 in Accra.
Delivering the keynote address at the Accra International Conference Centre, Afenyo-Markin shared a personal story of how a casual conversation with his German friend inspired him to venture into the coconut value chain, transforming what initially seemed like a joke into a thriving business opportunity.
“It was like a joke, but he managed to tell me that if I got the factory through, I would be very resourceful. He didn’t say I’ll be rich,” he told participants.
According to the lawmaker, the idea gradually took shape after he decided to explore opportunities within coconut processing, beginning with the use of coconut husk. He explained that developments in international environmental policy later reinforced the importance of the venture.
“Soon after the whole idea had been conceived, the EU passed legislation on desertification. In Africa, we use topsoil to raise seedlings, and it has become an environmental issue. They started flagging exports from Africa, including Ghana, and they said, ‘Look, Alex, this is an opportunity for you,’” he said.
Afenyo-Markin disclosed that his company now produces soil-less media made from coconut husk, an innovative alternative used to replace topsoil in raising seedlings. The product helps address environmental concerns while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
“I am happy to say that the entity that I put together can produce what we call soil-less media using coconut husk,” he noted, adding that the products are supplied to commercial farmers locally and exported to international markets.
He further revealed that the processing factory is located at Npadi on the Bawuah road, where coconut husks are processed into different forms depending on farmers’ needs, including fertilised and raw options.
Highlighting the economic potential of agriculture, Afenyo-Markin encouraged stakeholders and young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities within the coconut industry.
“So it’s an opportunity. I am in it, so I’m not just a politician, but I am seeing the reality in there. Let’s take advantage,” he urged.
The Coconut Day event formed part of the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit’s broader efforts to promote investment, innovation, and sustainable growth within Ghana’s tree crop sector.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
