top ad
Home Blog Page 2

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

0

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.

Ad article

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

0

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.

    Ad article

    FAO highlights food safety considerations for food supplements and functional or health foods

    0

    Consumers in many countries are increasingly turning to food supplements and functional or health foods as part of their diets, in an effort to support their individual health and well-being, a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says.

    The report, Food safety in personalized nutrition: a focus on food supplements and functional foods, explores emerging safety considerations related to these products, providing an overview of all important food safety aspects such as interactions with medications, appropriate dosage, and the need to assess the safety of ingredients that lack a history of consumption.

    “The safety of active ingredients in food supplements and functional foods can depend on a number of factors, including their source, how they are processed, and the concentration levels at which they are used. Clear labelling and thorough safety assessments can support informed choices and consumer confidence,” said Maura Di Martino, author of the report.

    Strengthening regulatory frameworks

    Drawing on regulatory frameworks from around the world, the report examines how different countries and regions approach the classification, labelling, and regulation of food supplements and functional foods. This analysis aims to support food safety authorities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, by helping to strengthen regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation, safeguard consumers, and build trust in the marketplace.

    Food supplements are described in the report as products containing concentrated sources of nutrients intended to complement one’s diet, while functional foods are considered  to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These products, when responsibly produced and consumed, may have the potential to contribute positively to public health goals, although the evidence to support health claims is often lacking.

    The report also explores evolving consumer behaviour and perceptions surrounding food supplements and functional foods. It underscores the growing influence these products have on purchasing decisions and consumer attitudes toward health and wellness. Providing consumers with accurate, science-based food safety information is crucial to ensuring responsible choices and fostering trust in the products. Further research to substantiate health claims is also critical to ensure complete and accurate information to consumers.

    Safety and innovation

    With scientific and technological advances continuing to open up new possibilities in personalized nutrition, the market for food supplements and functional foods is expected to grow. Ensuring the safety of these products through proactive, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches is important for public health, while also encouraging innovation.

    Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, FAO seeks to assist countries in developing effective regulations for these products, ensuring that safety issues do not undermine potential health benefits, while promoting equitable access to scientific knowledge for all.

    Ad article

    It’s a shame to import whooping $400m worth of frozen chicken – President Mahama

    0

    Ghana imports about $400 million worth of chicken every year, President John Mahama said. 
     
    The President said the imports ought to be a source of shame for all Ghanaians, reiterating plans to support 54 individuals to produce four million birds that would amount to 10,000 metric tons of chicken.  
     
    President Mahama stressed his government commitment to advancing livestock development to improve cattle production and small ruminants, including goats and sheep, and improving access to high-quality breeds alongside. 
     
    The President made this known when he launched the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, a flagship initiative in Techiman in the Bono East Region. 

    He said the livestock production component of the programme would also focus on agro production enclaves and infrastructure. 
     
    That involves the execution of  irrigation systems, improved road infrastructure, provision of power supply, and establishment of warehousing facilities that would attract private investment. 
     
    The President said that the programme would further enhance the production and processing of agricultural produce.  
     
    President Mahama presented maize seeds, fertilizers, a Kia truck, and tractors to some institutions including the Ghana Prisons Service, National Service Authority to spearhead the implementation of the programme. 

    He called for unity and shared commitment in transforming the nation’s agriculture, as a driver of national growth and prosperity, saying the Feed Ghana Programme presented a proactive initiative rather than just a policy. 
     
    Admitting some challenges in the sector, the President said he was highly optimistic that the implementation of the programme would achieve successes, and called on farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and development partners to join forces for the programme to achieve desirable outcomes. 
     
    The programme aims to implement strategic measures to increase food production, promote the adoption of modern farming techniques, improve infrastructure, and establish agro-industrial zones across Ghana. 

    President Mahama said key interventions within the Feed Ghana Programme include smart agriculture involving establishment of farmers’ service centres nationwide. 

    The centres will provide essential services such as mechanization, quality inputs, financial support, market access, primary processing and training for farmers. 

    President Mahama announced the creation of farm banks or land banks in designated irrigable zones to support young agri-entrepreneurs and contribute to the enhancement of national food production.  
     
    He said the second component of the programme, grains and legumes development would also focused on increasing the production of maize, rice, soya beans, and sorghum for consumption, agro-processing, and export.  

    The third component, which is vegetable development project or ‘Yeredua’ aimed at reducing imports from neighbouring countries by promoting the cultivation of vegetables locally.  
     
    President Mahama highlighted the importance of investing in controlled environmental farming, such as greenhouse technologies, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and promoting schools to grow their own vegetables through backyard gardening.  
     
    The fourth component of the initiative will focus on promoting institutional farming to empower households and communities to cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and garden eggs to enhance self-sufficiency. 

    It will also extend support to institutions such as Senior High Schools to access lands to engage in crop production and livestock farming.  
     
    The fifth component of the programme involves the revitalization of the poultry industry, known as the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project. 

    Ad article

    FAGE shifts exports from U.S. market amid 10% tariff hike — Eyes AfCFTA opportunities

    0

    THE Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) wants a diversification of export destinations following the sudden imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States (U.S) by the Trump administration.

    It said the U.S has been one of Ghana’s key export destinations, especially under preferential trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

    However, the new tariff measure, which many exporters did not anticipate, has forced exporters to reconsider their strategies and explore alternative markets.

    In an interview with Graphic Business, the President of FAGE, Davis Korboe, described the development as a “big blow” to Ghana’s export sector, noting that the move has disrupted trade flows and raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s heavy dependence on the U.S. market.

    “Our cost of production is already very high in Ghana. Adding a 10% tariff makes our products uncompetitive in the U.S. market. This is why we’ve always advocated diversification. We can’t keep all our eggs in one basket,” he said.

     
    Tariff

    The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on April 2, 2025 announced a unilateral 10% tariff, effective April 5, 2025, covering imports from all countries, including Ghana, into the United States.

    However, goods that are in transit as of the date were exempt from the announced tariffs. In addition, reciprocal tariffs were also imposed on over 50 countries, with rates ranging from 11% to 50% effective April 9, 2025.

    According to President Trump’s Executive Order, the tariffs were being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) due to economic and national security implications of the country’s global trade deficits.

    The Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. These products include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products and certain critical minerals.

    The US market provides a ready-made complementary market destination for several important priority export products from Ghana such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, horticulture products, including root crops (yam), fruits, vegetables and cashew.

    AfCFTA

    Mr Korboe said rethinking and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an alternative trade strategy and wind towards the African market will be a viable platform for growth for exporters.

    However, he said significant barriers such as poor transport infrastructure, long customs procedures and inconsistent trade regulations which makes intra-African trade costly and inefficient must be addressed for the continent’s trade potential to be fully realised.

    “There’s a $3.7 trillion market right here on the continent. We should be deploying efforts to access those opportunities, it is time to prioritise regional trade fairs, cross-border logistics, and targeted market intelligence to understand what the African market demands.”

    We believe in the AfCFTA, but the practical issues on the ground—like delays at the borders and logistics challenges—are killing our competitiveness, Mr Korboe said.

    Exporters in limbo

    He disclosed that the unexpected nature of the tariff has left many exporters scrambling to renegotiate contracts and clarify cost burdens with U.S. buyers. 

    According to him, several shipments were already en route, and there is uncertainty about whether Ghanaian exporters or their American partners will absorb the added cost.

    “This is not just a trade policy issue—it’s a livelihood issue, for many exporters, their margins are already thin. If they have to take on the 10% cost, it could drive them out of business,” he said.

    Govt engagement underway

    He added that FAGE has begun engaging key state institutions, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to explore both diplomatic and trade remedies.

    While negotiations continued, he encouraged members of FAGE to use the moment to rethink Ghana’s export strategy.

    “This is not the time to panic, but to plan. We must use this disruption to realign our trade priorities and strengthen intra-African trade,” Mr Korboe added.

    Govt’s response

    In a statement issued last Saturday, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry assured the Ghanaian private sector, especially major exporters, investors and the public of the government’s commitment to engage the United States of America on the imposition of tariffs on Ghanaian products to avoid trade disruptions and investment decisions in the country.

    The ministry said it was also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent, and to assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy.

    It added that various strategies were under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade.
     

    Development 

    The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, held a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss the details of the tariffs and explore ways U.S and Ghana could further strengthen partnership.

    Ambassador Palmer offered a hint of possible compensatory measures, suggesting Ghana might benefit relative to others.

    “I hope Ghana will get some advantages vis-à-vis its competitors,” she said.

    Ad article

    Cocoa producer’s price maintained despite Côte d’Ivoire hike – Cocobod

    0

    The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that the producer price of cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 season.

    In a letter to the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana (LICOBAG), COCOBOD explained that the decision followed a thorough assessment of the operational and financial implications for the local cocoa industry.

    “This decision comes after careful consideration of the operational and financial implications for the cocoa industry,” said Dr. James Kofi Kutoati, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, in the letter dated April 8, 2025.

    The Board said the move aims to preserve stability and long-term sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector.

    Currently, the cocoa producer price is GH₵3,100 per 64kg bag, representing a slight rise of 0.03% from the previous rate set in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.

    The adjustment, which translates to GH₵49,600 per tonne, is intended to align cocoa prices with current market conditions and provide additional support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

    While COCOBOD acknowledged Côte d’Ivoire’s price hike, it hinted at a potential review of producer prices, fees, and margins for stakeholders in the 2025/26 season.

    The decision comes at a time when both nations, who together produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa, are working to coordinate pricing through their joint Cocoa Initiative to better protect farmers’ incomes

    Ad article

    US Tariff to impact Ghana’s Cocoa, Textiles and Agriculture

    0

    Ghanaian exporters are bracing for the impact of a new 10% tariff on imports imposed by the United States, which is expected to affect key non-traditional exports.

    The measure, announced by US President Donald Trump, has sparked concern among local producers and exporters over potential losses in market share, pricing competitiveness, and earnings from the American market.

    According to information supplied by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the new tariff will directly affect Ghana’s cocoa derivatives—a key value-added export segment, garments and textiles, cashew, shea butter, and a range of agricultural products.

    With Ghana being one of the world’s leading cocoa producer countries, the move could undermine efforts to expand the country’s footprint in processed cocoa exports.

    Garments and textiles, another sector targeted under the tariff per information from the Ministry, could also see a significant setback.

    The sector has seen modest growth under trade frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free access to the U.S. market. Industry stakeholders fear the new tariff may erode the cost advantage Ghanaian manufacturers enjoy, making it harder to compete with other low-cost producers globally.

    The agricultural sector is not spared either. Exports of cashew, shea butter, fruits, vegetables, and yam—some of Ghana’s top-performing non-traditional exports—are now subject to the increased import duty.

    Exporters in these sectors worry that the added cost burden could lead to reduced demand from U.S. buyers or force them to absorb losses to remain competitive.

    Analysts say the move could have broader implications for Ghana’s export-led growth strategy and foreign exchange earnings, especially at a time when the country is working to diversify its economy away from raw material exports.

    Others are also proposing for the government to leverage on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Meanwhile, sector Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry have been exploring diplomatic engagements with U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer to mitigate the impact after close door meetings on April 7.

    Ad article

    Olam Agri hosts Trade Minister to its wheat milling facility in Kpone

    0

    Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness and food company in the country, hosted the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at its wheat milling facility in Kpone on Friday, April 4th, 2025.

    The minister’s visit, part of the ministry’s ongoing engagement with local manufacturers, provided Olam Agri with the opportunity to discuss the company’s contribution to the food industry and its alignment with the country’s industrial development goals.

    During the visits, Ofosu-Adjare and her delegation met with the management and staff of Olam Agri to discuss the company’s strategic investment in Ghana, job creation, and its support for the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

    The minister, in her address congratulated Olam Agri for the company’s commitment to safety and wellbeing of its employees.

    “I am at Olam Agri today because they are an integral part of agri business in this country. I am impressed with what I have seen so far. The first thing I look at when I visit any factory is their work environment. How safe is it for their employees to work in safety and I think that they have passed that test,” Ofosu-Adjare said.

    Adding “Any economy will grow well if there’s import substitution and if we are exporting, it means that there wouldn’t be so much burden on your currency and the cedi will be strong. I think Olam Agri is ticking all these boxes.”

    Ofosu-Adjare expressed her appreciation for Olam Agri’s contributions to Ghana’s economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the food industry in Ghana to achieve sufficiency.

    Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri, underscored the company’s commitment to the economic development of Ghana through rapid expansion and job creation.

    “Ghana has always presented itself as a significant investment opportunity. We have a team of over 1,500 dedicated employees in Ghana whose skills and dedication have been instrumental in our growth. We aim to grow with Ghana, not just in Ghana.”

    As part of the visit, the minister and her entourage toured the company’s milling facility, where popular flour brands like First Choice, Royal Gold, Adepa and Vital are produced, to inspect the production processes. The minister and her team used the opportunity to inspect the progress of work on the construction of Olam Agri’s new state-of-the-art pasta production plant.

    “This pasta plant aims to meet the growing demand for pasta products in the market. We aim to significantly reduce the reliance on imports of pasta in the country, enhancing trade and import substitution. The wheat mill has also been upgraded to process premium wheat locally, ensuring better quality control and cost efficiency,” said Baibhav.

    Over the past 30 years, Olam Agri has grown to become a leading agribusiness and food company in the country, meeting the growing needs of Ghanaian consumers. Its state-of-the-art wheat milling facility was launched in 2012 boosting Ghana’s self-sufficiency in wheat flour production considerably.

    Ad article

    Miss Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Contest 2025: Tackling Graduate Unemployment through Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

    0

    In a bold move to address the pressing issue of graduate unemployment, a group of young agripreneurs has initiated the Miss Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Contest 2025.

    This innovative initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, inspire innovation, and empower young female agribusiness enthusiasts to become leaders in their field.

    Accordingly, the contest is designed to create awareness about the critical role of agriculture in poverty alleviation and to provide a platform for young women to showcase their expertise and leadership skills.

    The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable system where supported entrepreneurial teams can receive technical and financial support to build agribusiness companies from the ground up.

    “We refuse to be mere onlookers in the face of graduate unemployment,” said by Evans, one of the organizers. “We believe that by empowering young women in agribusiness, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that will benefit not only our generation but also future generations.”

    The contest will bring together talented young women from across the country to compete for prizes and recognition.

    The winners will receive technical and financial support to establish their own agribusiness companies, creating jobs and opportunities for others.

    The organizers are calling on individuals and organizations to sponsor or partner with them to make this initiative a success.

    “We believe that this is a worthy cause that deserves support,” said by the deputy head of the planning committee. By partnering with us, you will be contributing to the empowerment of young women and the growth of a sustainable agricultural sector.”

    Ad article

    The launch of Feed Ghana Programme rescheduled to Saturday, 12 April, 2025

    0

    The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has announced the rescheduling of the Feed Ghana Programme, which was scheduled for April 11, to April 12, citing critical government activities that requires the attention of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

    The Ministry in a press release dated April 7 and signed by the Public Relations department, stipulated that the official event, rescheduled to April 12, will take place at the Methodist School Park in Techiman, Bono East Region.

    The release stated, “The government emphasizes its commitment to addressing food security and enhancing agricultural productivity, and this launch is a pivotal moment in those efforts”.

    “In a related development, the Minister for Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce that the University of Ghana has officially signed up to participate in the Feed Ghana Programme under its institutional commercial farming initiatives”.

    The Ministry affirmed University of Ghana’s participation in the Feed Ghana Programme.

    This partnership aims to leverage academic expertise and resources to bolster sustainable agricultural practices and improve food production across the nation.

    The Feed Ghana Programme is expected to play a significant role in transforming the agricultural landscape of Ghana, providing support to farmers, and enhancing the country’s food systems.

    “We invite all stakeholders, farmers, and the public to join us for this important event as we embark on a journey towards achieving food security in Ghana”. The Ministry added.

    Ad article
    123...162Page 2 of 162
    agrictoday.com
    Agric Today is a news agency that publishes on Agric and provides vivid update of news and analysis on topical issues of national and international importance in Agriculture. The agency also analyses sectoral issues involving news on Agri business, Crops, Animals etc
    Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp

    POPULAR POSTS

    POPULAR CATEGORY

    © 2023 Agrictoday.com.gh