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Danger looms as drought hits Volta Region rice production.

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The site of a rice farm plagued by drought in the Volta Region.

The Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB) has revealed that rice production in the Volta Region of Ghana faces bleak consequences this year due to ongoing drought conditions which are disrupting production in some parts of the Region.

According to the body, farmers in the Akatsi North and South districts in the Volta Region have been gravely affected by poor rainfall patterns and are likely to lose their entire output for the 2021/2022 season.

“In Ketu South alone, over 700 hectares of rice have been lost to the drought. “The problem covers several areas including Kpoglu, Avalavi, Klenomadi and Avie in Ketu North, Akatsi in Akatsi South, Tongu Districts, Afadzato South District and Hohoe Municipal areas,” the President said.

This comes as a blow to the sector, which is an attempt to wean the country off rice importation by achieving self-sufficiency in production by 2025.

As if that is not enough, the affected farmers will have to wait till next year before they can earn some income.

Speaking to the reporter, President of GRIB Nana Agyei Ayeh II said some members of the farmers reached out to him to ascertain the situation and find a solution to the looming danger.

The President, together with some of the officials of the John A. Kufuor Foundation paid a working visit to the farms, and on their observation, several hectares of rice under cultivation are lost due to climate change and low levels of rainfall in these communities.

The woes of the farmers are further exacerbated by the huge investments they have already made in land preparation, seeds, and fertilizer.

However, the provisional production figures by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) indicate that about 973, 000 metric tonnes of rice were produced in Ghana in 2020. But, this figure could be hard to match in 2021 if the current situation persists.

Nana Agyei Ayeh II revealed that the existing dam structure which was built to harvest water to irrigate the farmlands is in a dire state of disrepair, leaving farmers at the mercy of the harsh weather conditions.

“We cannot continue with rain-fed agriculture. As you can see, this year, farmers have lost their investments simply because the rains failed them.

We would like to appeal to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide dugouts for these areas. These will aid in water conservations for the purposes of irrigation in such times like what we facing now” he added.

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Cocobod lost $840 million because of rollover – Cocobod CEO.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Randy Abbey has revealed how syndicated loan delays and poor financial planning plunged Ghana’s cocoa sector into a historic crisis, resulting in an estimated loss of $840 million.

Speaking on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, as monitored by MyNewsGH, Abbey explained that COCOBOD’s financial missteps during the 2023/2024 season not only weakened the industry’s performance but also severely undercut the earnings of cocoa farmers across the country.

According to Abbey, COCOBOD entered the 2023/2024 cocoa season by seeking a syndicated loan using a conservative pricing benchmark of $2,600 per ton, despite ongoing market volatility and liquidity challeneges.

However, the real crisis emerged when the funds arrived in December 2023—three months after the official opening of the cocoa season.

“Licensed Buying Companies couldn’t get seed funds to buy cocoa for almost four months. This has never happened in COCOBOD’s history,’’ Abbey stated with alarm.

The delay in financing had a cascading effect. COCOBOD, having already committed to deliver over 333,000 tons of cocoa, was unable to fulfill those contracts, leading to a rollover into the 2024/2025 season.

As global cocoa prices soared to $6,600 per ton, Ghana found itself servicing prior contracts at a $4,000 loss per ton.

“For every ton we used to service the rollover, we lost $4,000. As of April 2025, we had serviced 210,000 tons. That’s a loss of $840 million,” Abbey disclosed.

This massive shortfall, he explained, is a key reason the government could not significantly increase the cocoa producer price, despite mounting political and economic pressure.

“They increased it to GH€3,100 just three weeks before the election, but that’s less than 50% of the world price,” he added.

The situation remains precarious. Abbey warned that Ghana is still rolling over another 120,000 tons into the 2025/2026 season, and while the president has expressed a desire to improve farmer incomes, broader economic instability—particularly the recent challenges facing the cedi—complicates any effort to adjust prices upward.

“This is not just about mismanagement,” Abbey said. “It’s about the collapse of confidence in the institutions that are supposed to protect our farmers and our Economy.”

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Ghana Calls for Stronger Atlantic Cooperation on Maritime Governance

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The Honourable Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, delivered a compelling address this week at the High-Level Forum of Atlantic African Nations, calling for a united approach to maritime governance, scientific collaboration, and sustainable development across the Atlantic seaboard.

Speaking to an esteemed gathering of ministers, experts, and stakeholders, Minister Arthur expressed her deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for hosting the forum and commended Morocco’s leadership in fostering regional cooperation.

“Our Atlantic domain presents both immense opportunities and tremendous challenges,” Minister Arthur stated.

“We must work together, across borders and sectors, to turn our shared waters into engines of sustainable development, security, and prosperity”, she added.

She underscored the importance of collaborative maritime governance, highlighting how oceans and seas support trade, fisheries, tourism, and untapped marine resources, while warning of threats such as illegal fishing, pollution, and weak institutional frameworks.

“Without better shared-knowledge-based governance,” she cautioned, “we will struggle to make the Atlantic a true driver of growth and resilience.”

Key themes from her speech included:

Strengthening institutional capacity to enforce maritime laws Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing

Enhancing marine science and data-sharing across nations Investing in ocean observation technologies and research Building sustainable blue economy initiatives that benefit local communities

Minister Arthur emphasized that building marine knowledge is vital to informed decision-making, urging greater investment in scientific research and regional data-sharing platforms.

“Understanding the ocean is the foundation of protecting it,” she said, adding that training, technology, and local community engagement are critical to achieving this goal.

In her closing remarks, she issued a strong call to action: Prioritise maritime governance at the highest political levels Invest in scientific infrastructure and innovation Strengthen partnerships and harmonize regional policies Build local and national capacity for long-term resilience.

“Together, we can unlock the Atlantic’s full potential—not just for our nations, but for the benefit of humanity,” Minister Arthur concluded. “Let us be the generation that preserves its richness for those who come after us.”

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The Sixth Annual HEMPTECH Conference Returns to Ghana: Africa’s Longest-Running Hemp Conference Expands to ECOWAS and the Caribbean

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The Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT) proudly announces the 6th Annual HEMPTECH (Hemp Education, Markets, Processing and Technology for Economic and Cultural Harmonization) Conference, returning to Ghana as the longest-running hemp-focused event on the African continent.

Launched in 2020 by the CEMT—a farm management services company established in the state of Georgia, USA, in 2019 focused on black farmers first—HEMPTECH has consistently set the pace for policy, research, and development around industrial hemp in Africa.

Since 2019, the Cooperative Executive Management Team has been at the forefront of advocating for hemp legislation and policy development in Ghana.

Now, in 2025, with growing partnerships across the ECOWAS region, the HEMPTECH conference is expanding its reach and strategic objectives.

This year’s focus is firmly on manufacturing and processing sector implementation, areas where countries like South Africa, Malawi, and Botswana have stalled despite legislation.

In contrast, Uganda has now joined the list of countries with progressive legislation, and Nigeria is emerging as a new target for expansion—not just for HEMPTECH, but also for the One Hectare Sustainable Farm Project, a revolutionary initiative bringing live-work-play agricultural models to rural and urban communities.

This initiative is being powered through the AIE (Advocacy, Implementation, and Education) Project and backed by a 20-member Consortium of Black Experts, formalized at the third HEMPTECH conference in 2022.

This expert consortium was instrumental in drafting the international government hemp tender released by the Government of Rwanda, demonstrating the power of international diaspora-led collaboration.

The momentum continues as government-to-government conversations are now underway with Grenada and Bermuda, signaling Caribbean interest in both the HEMPTECH model and the One Hectare Sustainable Farm Project.

As the first hemp research farm in West African history prepares to be licensed in Ghana later this year, the CEMT is continuing its negotiations with Ghana’s Ministry of Interior to finalize details.

These milestones and more have been documented throughout the HEMPTECH journey and are available for public viewing on the Cooperative Executive Management Team YouTube Channel.

The 6th HEMPTECH conference will also spotlight international investment, education, and global trade. With the recent $75 million funding initiative by the USDA aimed at increasing hemp education and supply chain collaborations, HEMPTECH is positioned to connect U.S. Hemp farmers with African processors to create value-added products for global markets.

The conference offers a strategic opportunity for businesses, governments, and institutions to network, invest, and shape the future of the green economy through hemp.

Tickets for the 6th Annual HEMPTECH Conference are available now at www.coopexecutives.com.

For sponsorship opportunities or media inquiries, please contact us directly at +233-245-748797.Join the hemp revolution led by the Cooperative Executive Management Team. Africa is ready. The time is now.

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Ghana Cocobod Board reconstituted.

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An 11-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been officially inaugurated at a brief but significant ceremony at the Ministry of Finance, with a strong call to urgently reverse the fortunes of the ailing cocoa sector.

The new board is chaired by Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and includes key figures such as the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama; Chief Executive Randy Abbey; Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah; Vincent Oppong Asamoah; Deputy Minister for Trade, Samson Ahi; Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo; Alhaji Alhassan Bukari; Nana Charles Owusu and Eric Turkson.

The inauguration was chaired by Energy Minister John Jinapor, who also serves as the Alternate Minister for Finance. In his remarks, Hon. Jinapor congratulated the new board members but expressed grave concern over the current state of COCOBOD.

He noted that while the institution was once a shining symbol of Ghana’s economic strength, recent years have seen a worrying decline. He noted that crop production, which previously peaked at 1 million metric tonnes, has slumped to about 500,000 metric tonnes.

However, Mr. Jinapor expressed confidence in the calibre of the newly constituted board, stating that he was convinced they possessed the expertise and integrity to restore COCOBOD’s lost glory.

On his part, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board once again, having previously been a member in his capacity as Deputy Finance Minister.

He explained that the new law governing COCOBOD mandates the inclusion of both the Finance Minister and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana on its board.

Dr. Forson underscored the enduring importance of cocoa to Ghana’s economy, describing it as the “jewel of the economy,” and lamented the massive mismanagement of COCOBOD in recent years.

He outlined plans by government to introduce plantation farms by acquiring about 200 hectares of cocoa land, aiming to restore production levels to 1 million metric tonnes.

The Finance Minister further tasked the board to decisively address the issue of diseased cocoa farms, especially in the Western Region, which continues to hamper productivity. He assured COCOBOD of the full support of the Finance Ministry in all its endeavours.

Newly sworn-in Board Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, expressed his appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in the board. He described their appointment as both an honour and a call to duty, pledging on behalf of the members to lead a transformational agenda for the cocoa sector.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo promised to “reset, retool, and reimagine” COCOBOD to restore it as a pivotal institution in Ghana’s economy.

He urged members of the political class to lead by example by actively engaging in farming to inspire the youth.

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Feed Ghana Project: MoFA donates 1000 fertilizers to vegetable farmers in Adenta and Ga East Municipal as part of the Initiative to boost production

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As part of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s effort to make the Feed Ghana Programme a reality, the Ministry has donated fertilizers to some vegetable farmers within the Adenta and Ga East Municipal to boost production.

This actualized as a result of Metro and Original TV’s programme called Akuafo Mo that identified the needs of these farmers at the Adenta and Ga EastMunicipal.

The donation, which took place at Trasaco on May 15, 2025, was spearheaded by the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, in collaboration with the Feed Ghana Programme Coordinator, Mr. Bright Kwadwo Demodzi.

During the presentation ceremony, they reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming and improving agriculture across the country, including urban and peri-urban areas.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, emphasized that there is often a general misconception that farming activities do not exist within the capital city, Accra.

This misconception, he said, leads to a tendency for government interventions and support programs to be directed mainly toward rural areas.

He explained that after engaging with a few farmers within the Adenta Municipality, the Ministry discovered that farmers in Accra, particularly in Adenta, also face significant challenges and require essential farming inputs such as fertilizers. “So, we came here today to donate some bags of fertilizer to them,” he stated, highlighting the Ministry’s inclusive approach in addressing the needs of all Ghanaian farmers, regardless of their geographical location.

Interacting with the farmers at the programme, almost all of them expressed deep concerns about the rapid encroachment of farmland by private developers. They noted that this trend poses a major threat to the sustainability of farming activities therefore, food insecurity.

Additionally, they lamented the inadequate supply of subsidies, quality seed input, and other essential resources, which they said have worsened their conditions as urban farmers.

In response to these concerns, the Deputy Minister assured the farmers that the government would intervene to address the land encroachment issue. He emphasized the administration’s resolve to “reset Ghana” and promised that government lands suitable for agriculture would be made available to farmers in the area.

“You know it is a new government. We will investigate the land situation in the area. Because we are resetting Ghana, any government land that has been encroached to jeopardize your farming activities, we will give it back to you. You shouldn’t be afraid,” Hon. Dumelo assured.

He further addressed the issue of farm inputs, admitting that in the past, the distribution of such resources was largely focused on rural communities leaving out urban farming hubs like Accra.

“Normally when the government is distributing farm inputs, we say Accra is not a farming community, so we send all outside Accra. But once you’ve spoken about farming inputs, tractors, among other things, I will also make sure that Adenta Municipality or Trasacco farmers will get their farm inputs,” he stated.

Expatiating the Feed Ghana Initiative to the farmers, the Deputy Minister said the initiative would establish 50 Farmer Service Centers across the country.

These centers will be equipped with farming machinery such as tractors, power tillers, improved seeds, and will also provide start-up capital to farmers.

He pledged to lobby for one of these centers to be situated within the corridor between Adenta, Ayawaso West Wuogon, and Tema West. According to him, this initiative will make farming more attractive and profitable for the youth and local farmers.

The Feed Ghana Programme National Coordinator, Bright Kwadwo Demodzi, also reinforced the Deputy Minister’s message. He expressed concern that many people assume there is no significant agricultural activity in Accra, especially in areas like the Adenta Municipality where Trasacco is located.

He highlighted the untapped potential of vegetable cultivation in urban settings and how it could help reduce the volume of vegetables transported from other regions into Accra.

Demodzi elaborated on a special module within the Feed Ghana Programme called “Yeredua,” meaning vegetable development programme. This module is structured into three levels and focuses on institutional support, with a strong emphasis on cooperative formation as a key strategy for sustainability and success.

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Diaspora-Led Agribusiness Finds Fertile Ground in Nigeria as Ghana Risks Falling Behind

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Following a powerful 30-day agricultural mission across Nigeria that concluded on May 2nd, Ambassador Davisha L Johnson, a naturalized citizen of Ghana since November 2024, resident since 2021, and visitor since 2019, has ignited a wave of investment and partnership opportunities for the Black American and global diaspora communities. As the Goodwill Ambassador of Georgia, TADC African Embassy Ambassador, Founder of TADC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the President of the Cooperative Executive Management Team, Ambassador Johnson has spent 6 years looking to build infrastructure to create industries but now—this time, beyond Ghana.

Wielding her ECOWAS passport with purpose, Ambassador Johnson has catalyzed high-level discussions across Nigeria, positioning agribusiness and sustainable farming at the center of a new movement for regional growth. As the One Hectare Sustainable Farm (OHSF) model—first designed in Ghana—gains traction across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, Ghana’s role as the diaspora gateway is being challenged.

“Ghana was the starting point. But while we planted the seeds there, the harvest is happening elsewhere,” said Ambassador Johnson. “Nigeria’s agricultural sector is booming with support, access, and political will—three things we’re struggling to consistently secure in Ghana.”

This shift comes as the African Diaspora Collective (TADC) and its implementation arm, the Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT), work with Nigerian institutions to develop a secured, pilot hemp cultivation site, modeled after CEMT’s OHSF framework developed in Ghana.

The goal is to establish regulatory and research-based systems to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural innovation potential, especially in high-value crops like hemp.

Ironically, Ghana is the birthplace of many of these pioneering programs. Since 2019:
• The African Diaspora Collective Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TADC-CCI) was launched to formalize diaspora investments in Ghana.
• The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) was founded to support policy engagement and education in industrial hemp.
• The Advocacy, Implementation, and Education (AIE) Project launched in 2022 to champion farmer training, climate-smart practices, and agro-export readiness for industrial Hemp.
• And most recently, over 500 students at a Senior Technical High School in Kumasi enrolled in a TADC-led OHSF Small Business

Incubation Program, focused on agribusiness and value-chain development, still waiting on approvals from Regional Education Minister.

Ghana also hosted a remarkable three-month fellowship for a student from a prominent U.S. Historically Black College and University (HBCU). That fellow not only stayed beyond the program but has since secured employment and remains based in Ghana—proof that the country can attract and retain top diaspora talent when conditions are right.

Yet despite six years of hosting the Hemp Tech Conference in Ghana, delays in licensing, policy ambiguity, and limited state-level engagement have made Ghana appear less attractive compared to its ECOWAS neighbors and other African countries like South Africa, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda that have already issued Hemp licenses. The diaspora is now evaluating more proactive partnerships in countries like Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, and Botswana, where agriculture is seen as a national priority and a diplomatic bridge not as punishment and work only for the illiterates.

Still, TADC is not abandoning Ghana.
“We built institutions in Ghana for a reason,” said Ambassador Johnson. “Now we are spring boarding those models across ECOWAS, and we hope Ghana chooses to lead—not lag.”

TADC is currently preparing to engage with the ECOWAS Commission to align the OHSF and AIE programs with regional agricultural policy and the Fight for 15 Global Compact, a bold 15-year development roadmap starting with Project 2040 to Re-Brand the Black Farmer for the 22nd century. The mission is clear: integrate the diaspora into every level of agricultural and economic transformation across West Africa.

Ghana has the infrastructure, the reputation, and the talent. The question now is whether it will reclaim its momentum—or watch it grow elsewhere. The Diaspora is coming back to Africa, but will they continue to choose Ghana is the question? Ambassador Johnson is focusing on providing the Black American, Caribbean, and Diaspora community at large all viable options of where they will yield the most harvest.

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MoFA Urges Nationwide Farmer Cooperative Initiative to boost food security and agribusiness

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The government Ghana, has officially unveiled a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural landscape through the formation of farmer cooperatives under the flagship Feed Ghana Programme.

This move, announced today by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, is expected to empower smallholder farmers, enhance productivity, and accelerate Ghana’s journey towards food self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

In a comprehensive press briefing held at the Ministry’s conference room, Minister Eric Opoku emphasized the critical role that farmer cooperatives will play in achieving the government’s ambitious goals, including the realization of the 24-Hour Economy envisioned by President John Dramani Mahama.

The Minister, speaking on a Strategic Shift Toward Farmer Organization and Empowerment, he highlighted that “Cooperatives are proven instruments of empowerment,”

“They enable farmers, especially smallholders and vulnerable groups, to benefit from scale, collective bargaining, and better access to resources. Forming cooperatives is not just an administrative step; it’s a strategic pathway to transforming our agriculture sector.

“The Minister highlighted that organized groups of farmers will be at the forefront of accessing the full range of support offered through the Feed Ghana Programme, which is designed to stimulate productivity, improve market access, and ensure sustainable development.

He highlighted key support components of the initiative, as it will facilitate farmers’ access to several critical services.

He mentioned that the Farmer Service Centres (FSCs), will provide mechanization, input distribution, extension services, and climate-smart technologies, with cooperatives prioritized for access.

Again, Financial Services, where they will partner with banks to deliver tailored financial products such as savings, insurance, and mobile money platforms.

Moreover, credit and Investment companies will enabling registered cooperatives to secure loans, high-yield breeds like Kuroiler chickens, feed subsidies, and training.Nonetheless, the Input Subsidies offering will prioritized access to subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and animal feed.

Training & Capacity Building will help Equip farmers with modern farm management, agribusiness, and digital agriculture skills, as Market Linkages would also support cooperatives to negotiate better prices and establish long-term contracts with government agencies, hospitals, export markets, and other institutional buyers.

Furthermore, Policy Inclusion will give farmers a voice in national policy discussions at various levels.

Beyond immediate support, the formation of cooperatives promises long-term benefits such as knowledge sharing, bulk purchasing, collective marketing, and social safety nets.

It also enhances the sector’s appeal to donors and NGOs, fostering further development.The sector minister urged farmers, particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities, and smallholders, to seize this opportunity.

“Our district offices stand ready to assist you in registration, governance training, and linkage to support services. We will also be conducting sensitization campaigns across all regions to ensure widespread awareness and participation,” he assured.

Going forward, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture clearly stated plans to collaborate closely with traditional authorities, local government bodies, and development partners to facilitate the rapid formation and formalization of farmer cooperatives nationwide.

The initiative aims not only to improve food security but also to create jobs, foster rural development, and build a resilient agricultural economy capable of meeting both domestic and export demands.

As Ghana steps into this new era of agricultural transformation, the government’s message is clear: unity, organization, and collective effort are key to feeding the nation and ensuring prosperity for all.

For more information or to participate, farmers are encouraged to contact their local agricultural offices.

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Concerned Farmers Association call for collective fight against galamsey: A Plea for Action

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The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana stands in solidarity against the devastating effects of galamsey; a menace threatening our environment, water bodies, and livelihoods.

The association said despite the efforts made to curtail galamsey activities in the country, a faced rejection and silence from various quarters.

The Devastating Reality

Galamsey poses significant threats to national security, public health, and economic survival. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take decisive action.

A Call to Action

We urge community leaders, policymakers, media practitioners, and ordinary citizens to join forces in condemning galamsey and demanding action. Together, we can:

  • Raise awareness about the dangers of galamsey
  • Mobilize communities to take action
  • Demand concrete steps from leaders to address the menace A Beacon of Hope

We’re grateful for the support of the CEO of the Minerals Commission, who has listened to our concerns and backed our activities. We hope others will follow suit.

The Time is Now

Let’s reclaim our environment, protect our water bodies, and build a sustainable future for all. Join the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana in this fight against galamsey.

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FAGE calls for a robust policy framework to support Ghana’s export sector and agribusiness industry.

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The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davis Korboe, has called for a clear and robust policy framework to support Ghana’s export sector and agribusiness industry.

He warned that without such a framework, exporters will continue to struggle amid ongoing economic pressures.

Speaking during a panel discussion on TV3’s Business Focus on May 12, 2025, Korboe emphasized the need for a “special purpose vehicle” to cushion exporters, particularly within the agribusiness value chain.

He noted that despite efforts by financial institutions such as EXIM Bank and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), the current support system is insufficient to absorb the economic shocks facing exporters.

“Our exporters are crying; this is the time for our banks to step up. There should be a special purpose vehicle for export and agribusiness in general. Once that is in place, these shocks will be absorbed,” he said.

Korboe also addressed the challenges surrounding the Ghanaian cedi’s performance against major foreign currencies, cautioning against a rushed approach to managing its value.

“There’s too much stress on the cedi, and that hurts our exports. There should be some allowance for depreciation, but it shouldn’t happen overnight. Stability is good, but we need to understand the difference between stability and appreciation,’ he explained.

His remarks come ahead of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, one of the most anticipated agribusiness events in West Africa, scheduled for June 11-13 at the Accra International Conference Center.

Under the theme “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector,’ the expo aims to spotlight the potential of horticulture to drive economic growth and attract investment.

Korboe highlighted that the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has consistently supported horticultural actors in accessing regional and global markets through the organization and participation in key international trade exhibitions.

GEPA partnered with FAGE to host the maiden Horti Expo last year and, recognizing the sector’s vast potential, is once again collaborating with FAGE for the second edition.

The event will bring together producers, exporters, investors, researchers, and policymakers to explore strategies for innovation, sustainability, and market access in the horticulture space.

It will also address issues such as climate resilience, regional trade integration, and inclusive participation, particularly among youth and women-led agribusinesses.

Ghana’s horticultural sector, known for high-value crops like mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, and vegetables, has been gaining international attention. Stakeholders say stronger policy direction and financial backing will be critical to sustaining this momentum and expanding market reach.

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Boost-To-Bloom Project: Agrihouse Foundation’s Bold Bet on Youth, Horticulture and Inclusive Agribusiness in Northern Ghana

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A new initiative is set to transform the economic prospects of youth in Northern Ghana by positioning horticulture as a springboard for job creation, entrepreneurship, and value addition.

Agrihouse Foundation, with catalytic support from AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation under the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Programme, has launched the Boost-To-Bloom project to unlock the commercial potential tomatoes, pepper, and onions in the five (5) northern regions of Ghana, particularly Upper East, Upper West, Savannah Region, North East, and Northern Region.

At its core, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of 20,000 skilled, business-minded youth – including young women and persons with disabilities – between 2025 and 2028.

These beneficiaries receive targeted training, coaching, and startup support to establish agribusinesses that span production, processing, and input distribution. “We are not just growing vegetables. We are growing the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs who can compete, add value, and transform communities,” said Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation.

Why Horticulture, why now?

Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in Ghana’s northern belt, where agriculture remains the mainstay of rural livelihoods but offers limited economic mobility due to fragmentation, market barriers, and post-harvest losses.

At the same time, Ghana’s vegetable value chains present untapped growth potential—particularly in processed products like tomato paste, dried onions, and pepper powder.

The Boost-To-Bloom Project responds to this opportunity with a comprehensive agribusiness roadmap that goes beyond production to address market access, input supply, and financial literacy, with an eye on both domestic and export markets.

Creating Job Pathways, especially for the Marginalized The project places a deliberate focus on young women and persons with disabilities, recognizing the systemic barriers they face in accessing land, finance, and leadership opportunities.

Through regional bootcamps and agribusiness hubs, beneficiaries will be supported to; launch enterprises across the horticulture value chainOperate input dealerships and service centersDevelop leadership and innovation skillsGain financial management and cooperative governance know-how.

This approach aligns with AGRA’s commitment to inclusive agricultural transformation, ensuring that no demographic is left behind as Ghana’s agri-food economy evolves.

From Fields to Markets:

Building Sustainable Agribusiness Ecosystems.A unique feature of the initiative is the formation of Boost-To-Bloom Project Networks – localized agribusiness clusters that promote shared infrastructure, collective bargaining, and market linkages.

These networks will connect beneficiaries to buyers, exporters, processors, and public-private partners.“We are focused on building systems, not silos. Through these networks, we are connecting youth-led businesses to markets, finance, and policymaking spaces,” said Dr. Betty Annan, Country Director, AGRA Ghana.

Additionally, the project will strengthen cross-regional peer learning, facilitate access to transport and storage facilities, and enable shared use of processing equipment to reduce cost and improve competitiveness.

A Future of Value Addition and Export ReadinessIn line with Ghana’s ambition to expand non-traditional exports and reduce reliance on raw commodity trade, Boost-To-Bloom project is embedding value addition as a core principle.

Training modules will include food safety, product packaging, and branding, equipping youth with the capacity to produce shelf-ready products for supermarkets and international buyers.

AGRA’s involvement ensures that the initiative is also connected to national and regional policy dialogues, offering evidence that can inform inclusive agribusiness development strategies across the continent.

A Scalable Model for Inclusive GrowthBoost-To-Bloom Project demonstrates a new model of agricultural development—one that combines skills training with enterprise creation, systems thinking with on-the-ground action, and youth empowerment with market responsiveness.

With the backing of Mastercard Foundation and AGRA, the initiative signals a shift toward youth-led, inclusive, and commercially viable agriculture, establishing and creating meaningful, dignified and life transforming jobs, for the youth in northern Ghana.

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