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Ghana is positioning its tree crop sector as a strategic driver of industrial growth, with government calling for bold private sector investment to unlock its full value potential.
Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit & Exhibition (GTCIS–2026), the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, described the country’s tree crops industry as one of Africa’s most compelling agribusiness opportunities.
According to him, Ghana’s tree crops — cocoa, rubber, cashew, shea, oil palm, and coconut — must no longer be viewed solely as raw export commodities. Instead, he emphasized a deliberate shift toward value addition, industrial expansion, and capturing a greater share of the over $300 billion global processed commodities market.
While Ghana already earns billions in export revenue from tree crops, the Deputy Minister stressed that the real opportunity lies in expanding local processing capacity. He highlighted ongoing policy reforms designed to de-risk private sector participation, including a ban on raw rubber lump exports to ensure adequate local supply for domestic processors.
He also referenced the government’s 50 percent local cocoa processing target, supported by structured supply arrangements through the Ghana Cocoa Board. These interventions, he noted, are intended to make processing ventures more bankable and commercially viable.
As part of strengthening supply chains, the Deputy Minister pointed to the “Feed the Industry” programme, which aggregates production from more than two million farmers through cooperatives and out-grower schemes. This system is designed to ensure traceability, sustainability compliance, and reliable supply — key requirements for premium markets in Europe and North America.
Beyond raw material security, he underscored Ghana’s broader investment appeal, including political stability, a strong legal framework, efficient port infrastructure, and a young, English-speaking workforce. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Ghana offers strategic access to a continental market of 1.3 billion people.
Hon. Ahi further assured investors that the Ministry’s agribusiness unit is ready to fast-track permits, facilitate land acquisition, connect investors to farmer cooperatives, and support financing discussions — with the aim of moving projects from agreement to groundbreaking within six months.
Representatives from financial institutions, during a presentation on unlocking finance for the tree crop sector, pledged their support for investments in the enterprise. They indicated readiness to enhance competitiveness, ease financing constraints, and reduce the financial burden on farmers.
The summit signals a renewed push to transform Ghana’s tree crop industry into a value-driven industrial engine, creating jobs, strengthening export earnings, and positioning the country as a competitive processing hub within Africa and beyond.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com