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A New Dawn for Ghana Cocoa: Reforms set to improve farmer livelihoods and financial sustainability

The Government of Ghana announced a comprehensive package of reforms to the cocoa sector aimed at restoring financial discipline, securing the sector’s long-term viability, and guaranteeing fair prices for farmers in February.

These decisions followed an emergency Cabinet session convened to confront the historical and systemic problems that had accumulated in the sector over many years.

The measures include the introduction of an automatic producer price adjustment mechanism that guarantees farmers a minimum of 70 per cent of the gross FOB price, a transition to domestic financing through a cedi-denominated cocoa bond, a mandate to process at least 50 per cent of cocoa locally from the 2026/27 crop season, and a balance sheet restructuring to restore COCOBOD to financial health.

Every generation inherits an industry shaped by the decisions of those who came before. The cocoa economy that today sustains more than 800,000 Ghanaian farming households, anchors a significant share of national foreign exchange earnings, and supplies a global confectionery industry worth tens of billions of dollars, is the product of institutional choices made decades ago.

The question that faced Ghana was whether the instruments and structures that served the sector over the last half-century remain fit for the market that lies ahead. Examined honestly, they do not.

What is now taking shape is a new dawn, a deliberate reordering of the sector around the two ends it exists to serve: the livelihood of the farmer and the financial sustainability of the institutions that stand behind the crop.

The strain had become impossible to ignore. Having peaked at a record of over US$12,000 per metric tonne in late 2024, the world market price of cocoa then fell sharply to below US$5,000 per metric tonne, leaving Ghana’s beans uncompetitive and starving COCOBOD of the liquidity it needed to pay farmers, even as the organisation’s debt burden continued to mount.

It was precisely this combination of collapsing prices and rising indebtedness that made decisive reform unavoidable if the industry was to be sustained.

The measures now underway should therefore be understood for what they are: bold, deliberate and evidence-led decisions designed to secure the industry’s long-term competitiveness. Three pillars sit at the heart of this reform agenda.

Firstly, processing cocoa where it is grown

For too long, the structure of the global cocoa trade has rewarded those who process beans more than those who grow them.

Ghana exports premium cocoa of world-class quality, yet the bulk of the margin captured along the value chain accrues elsewhere. Cabinet has therefore directed that, from the 2026/27 crop season, a minimum of 50 per cent of national production be processed locally.

This clearly demonstrates an economic transformation agenda in its own right, far broader in implication than a narrow industrial policy adjustment.

To deliver it, the state-owned Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) is being revived as a priority to become the leading processor of the nation’s beans, and domestic processors have already indicated both the capacity and the willingness to process more than 50 per cent of Ghana’s output.

Closing the gap between installed capacity and actual utilisation shifts the country from a raw commodity supplier to a producer of semi-finished cocoa derivatives that command significantly higher margins.

It builds manufacturing depth, develops skilled employment across the value chain, and keeps a larger share of the crop’s value within the communities that grow it. This represents a direct dividend for the farming households the reforms are designed to serve. It positions Ghana as both the world’s premium cocoa origin and a credible processor of that origin.

Regulatory tailwinds reinforce the case: with roughly 95 per cent of its cocoa farms mapped, Ghana qualifies as a low-risk origin under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), giving Ghanaian-processed cocoa a distinctive competitive position in tightening international markets.

Secondly, a pricing framework that reflects the market

The most consequential change for the farmer is the move to a transparent, market-responsive pricing framework.

Under the previous model, the producer price was fixed at the start of the season and held constant throughout, with COCOBOD absorbing the full effect of any subsequent movement in the world market price.

That arrangement offered the farmer stability, but it placed the entire burden of market volatility on COCOBOD’s balance sheet; a burden that became unsustainable as prices swung violently and the institution’s finances came under strain.

The new COCOBOD Bill will instead establish an automatic adjustment of the producer price in line with movements in the world market price, the exchange rate and other key variables, while guaranteeing farmers a minimum of 70 per cent of the gross FOB price.

For the first time, farmer income will move transparently in step with world market realities, with the floor ensuring it never falls below a fair share of the value the crop commands. This is, at its heart, a livelihood guarantee: it ensures that the household whose labour produces the crop receives a fair and predictable share of the value it creates.

A responsive pricing framework matters because the global cocoa market itself has become more volatile, with prices on the ICE London exchange capable of moving over a thousand pounds in a matter of weeks.

Producer incentives must be aligned with that reality. Transparency and predictability protect the farmer, sustain productivity, and reinforce the institutional trust on which long-term investment in cocoa depends.

Pricing reform of this magnitude is rarely comfortable to implement, but continuing to insulate producer prices from market signals would erode both farmer confidence and sector competitiveness.

Thirdly, a financing architecture built for resilience.

This third pillar concerns how the sector funds itself. For 32 years, Ghana relied on an offshore syndicated loan facility to finance cocoa purchases. The instrument served its time, but it carried foreign exchange exposure, concentrated counterparty risk, and tied the sector’s liquidity to conditions on international lending desks.

When that model failed, it was replaced by a stop-gap arrangement under which off-takers prefinanced purchases; an approach that has proven unsustainable, dependent entirely on a buyer’s willingness to bear the financing cost.

The transition to a domestic Cocoa Bond programme corrects that architecture at the foundation. The programme is designed to raise approximately US$1 billion, denominated in Ghana cedis and drawn from a range of investor categories, with the proceeds dedicated purely to the purchase of cocoa.

It establishes a revolving fund that COCOBOD can turn over at least once during each season, with purchases repaid from cocoa proceeds within the same crop year.

By securing reliable, ring-fenced liquidity for purchases, the model also underpins the single outcome that matters most to the farmer: being paid promptly and in full for the crop delivered.

It channels local liquidity into an export-backed productive sector, eliminates dollar-denominated borrowing risk, and allows issuance to be staggered in step with the crop cycle.

It will also revive the indigenous Licensed Buying Companies displaced by the previous arrangement, with the state-owned Produce Buying Company restored to full operations as the leading LBC.

The result is a more resilient cocoa economy, less exposed to external shocks, and better positioned to respond to a global market that no longer behaves the way it did a decade ago.

The Considered Path

These reforms are reinforced by a decisive restructuring of COCOBOD’s balance sheet; the conversion of legacy debts of about GH¢5 billion owed to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana into equity, and the transfer of GH¢4.35 billion in cocoa roads liabilities to the Ministry of Roads and Highways alongside forensic audits, criminal investigations and a firm prohibition on the quasi-fiscal expenditures that drained the organisation for years.

Together they reflect a single conviction: that the durability of Ghana’s cocoa sector depends on the willingness of its institutions to act with foresight, even when the decisions are uncomfortable.

These reforms are critical to the long-term sustainability of the sector and must be pursued with courage, clarity and conviction. They represent bold leadership and a decisive commitment to building a future-focused cocoa industry. There is no stronger policy direction at this moment than these announced reforms, which secure Ghana’s value, strengthen local capacity, and position the sector for sustainable growth. Any policy position that contradicts this reform agenda can only be seen as disconnected from the current realities and urgent needs of the industry.

The cocoa economy belongs to the farmer, the processor, the financier, the policymaker, and the nation. Securing greater value for each of them is the standard against which every reform must ultimately be judged. By that standard, the direction Ghana has chosen is defensible, responsible, and it is the right direction at the right time.

Authored by Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, Managing Director, Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) Ghana Limited.

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Agric ministry to distribute 40,000 fertilizers and drones to peasant farmers from Tuesday 

Agric Minister, Eric Opoku, announced that the intervention forms part of a broader strategy to support smallholder farmers with essential inputs needed to improve yields and enhance livelihoods.

According to the Minister, the fertilizer distribution is expected to benefit thousands of farmers, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of staple food crops.

In addition to the fertilizer support, the Ministry will deploy agricultural drones to selected farming communities to promote modern and technology-driven farming practices. The drones will be used for crop monitoring, precision spraying, field mapping, and the early detection of pests and diseases, helping farmers improve efficiency while reducing production costs.

Mr. Opoku said the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to transforming agriculture through innovation and targeted support programmes that enhance productivity and sustainability.

“Improving access to fertilizers and modern farming technologies remains critical to increasing food production, strengthening the agricultural value chain, and reducing post-harvest losses,” he noted.

The Minister expressed confidence that the intervention will contribute significantly to Ghana’s food security agenda while improving the incomes of farmers across the country.

The Ministry is expected to provide further details on the distribution process, beneficiary selection criteria, and drone deployment arrangements during the official launch on Tuesday.

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Gov’t registers 45 LBCs to purchase grains to tackle food glut

Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Buffer Stock Company, has registered 45 licensed buying companies (LBCs) to purchase grains directly from farmers at guaranteed minimum prices.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the recurring glut of grains, particularly rice, maize, and soya, while safeguarding farmers’ incomes.

Mr John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, announced this in Parliament on Thursday when responding to an urgent question posed by Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North.

The question centered on government’s plans to deal with grain surpluses that often lead to post-harvest losses and price volatility.

Mr Dumelo explained that the government had budgeted GHS100 million in November 2025 and an additional GHS200 million in the 2026 budget to support the Ghana Buffer Stock Company.

The funds would be used to purchase, process, and store grains, thereby cushioning farmers against market shocks.

He said the guaranteed minimum price scheme would ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, regardless of market fluctuations.

This, he noted, would encourage increased production, and strengthen food security across the country.

The Deputy Minister revealed that the government was partnering with the World Bank Group to refurbish food storage warehouses nationwide.

The collaboration is expected to expand storage capacity, reduce wastage, and stabilise grain supply throughout the year.

Mr Dumelo emphasised that the refurbished warehouses would serve as a strategic reserve, enabling the country to manage excess production and prevent sudden price drops that disadvantage farmers.

He added that the initiative would also enhance Ghana’s preparedness against food shortages.

According to him, the government’s intervention is part of a broader agricultural modernisation agenda that seeks to integrate farmers into structured markets. By linking producers directly with licensed buyers, the policy aims to eliminate exploitative middlemen and ensure transparency in grain trading.

Mr Agbana, who posed the urgent question, welcomed the measures but urged the government to ensure timely implementation.

He stressed that farmers in grain-producing regions had long suffered losses due to inadequate storage facilities and unstable market conditions.

The Deputy Minister assured Parliament that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was committed to rolling out the programme swiftly.

He noted that the Ghana Buffer Stock Company had already begun engaging the registered LBCs to operationalise the purchase scheme.

The initiative, Mr Dumelo concluded, would not only protect farmers but also contribute to national food security, stabilise grain prices, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports.

He reiterated the government’s resolve to support farmers as a cornerstone of economic growth and rural development.

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Fisheries Minister launches project to transform abandoned pits into fish farms

Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has launched an innovative project to transform abandoned clay and quarry pits into productive fish farms in the Shama Municipality of the Western Region.

The initiative, dubbed the Komfueku-Shama Aquaculture Project, is being piloted in partnership with R&B Farms. It seeks to promote sustainable fisheries by repurposing abandoned and underutilised lands into productive fish farms to boost food production, create jobs, generate income, and strengthen local communities.

Speaking at the project launch at Komfueku, Madam Arthur said Ghana’s fisheries sector faced growing challenges, including pressure on marine resources and the impacts of climate change, making it necessary for stakeholders to diversify livelihoods and expand fish production through sustainable aquaculture practices.

She noted that aquaculture remained one of Ghana’s greatest opportunities to increase domestic fish supply, reduce fish imports, create employment, and improve food security.

According to her, the Komfueku-Shama Aquaculture Project would contribute directly to these national objectives while also supporting environmental restoration and responsible land use.

“What excites me most about this project is its potential for replication because, across Ghana, there are many abandoned excavated sites that could be converted into productive aquaculture enterprises,” she said.

“If successful, the Komfueku-Shama model can serve as a blueprint for sustainable aquaculture development in other parts of the country.”

Madam Arthur commended R&B Farms for its vision and investment in the pioneering venture, saying the company’s commitment reflected the critical role the private sector must play in driving innovation and growth within Ghana’s aquaculture industry.

She assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture remained committed to supporting responsible investments that advance fish production, create jobs, and contribute to Ghana’s Blue Economy aspirations.

Mr Benjamin Turkson, Co-Founder of R&B Farms, said that following a successful pilot phase, the project would be expanded to communities such as Anto, Supomu-Dunkwa, and Daboase Junction, where several abandoned pits are located.

“Apart from converting these abandoned pits, which have become death traps, our major objective is to create jobs for the youth and women through our innovative fish farming initiative,” he said.

Mr Turkson urged the government to leverage aquaculture to combat unemployment and reduce illegal mining (galamsey) activities across the country.

Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, said the project aligned with the government’s efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture, enhance food security, drive economic empowerment, and ensure environmental stewardship.

He called on traditional authorities and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region to embrace the initiative and transform abandoned pits into productive enterprises that would stimulate local economic growth.

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50% increase of charcoal is one of the Ghana’s biggest inflation drive – Government Statistician

Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, government statistician has revealed that charcoal has become the single biggest driver of inflation in Ghana, with prices surging by more than 50% over the past year and placing renewed pressure on household budgets.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, Dr Iddrisu said the development comes despite what he described as a remarkable turnaround in the country’s overall inflation performance.

“By all standards, this is a remarkable turnaround, and every Ghanaian should know this,” he said.

However, he cautioned that beneath the positive headline figures, worrying signs are emerging in the food sector. According to him, food inflation rose to 3.3% in May 2026, up from 2.2% in April.

“Food inflation rose to 3.3% year on year, up from 2.2% in April,” he noted.

He added that food prices jumped sharply within a single month, a trend the Ghana Statistical Service is monitoring closely.

“In fact, in just one month, that’s between April and May 2026, we saw food prices actually jumped 2% and that’s one of the fastest we have seen, you know, in a single month in terms of price movements,” he said.

Dr Iddrisu pointed to tomatoes as one of the products behind the increase. He said tomato prices rose 35.8% between May 2025 and May 2026, and recorded an even steeper jump in a single month.

“In fact, in just the month of May, which is between April and May 2026 alone, the prices of tomatoes actually jumped up 38.8%, so that’s a real supply shock,” he explained.

He linked the spike to disruptions in supplies from Burkina Faso after attacks on Ghanaian traders and the subsequent export restrictions.

“As we all know, earlier this year, Ghanaian traders were attacked in Burkina Faso, and an export ban followed that disrupted tomato supply into our market, and even after the ban was reversed on April 2, the damage was already done, and prices, you know, already spiked,” he said.

But the Government Statistician said the biggest concern remains cooking fuel. He disclosed that charcoal accounted for the largest share in Ghana’s inflation basket.

“Charcoal prices rose by 50.1% over the year, meaning year on year, that is between May 2025 and May 2026, and charcoal is actually the single largest contributor to our national inflation,” he said.

According to him, charcoal alone accounted for about 13.1% of Ghana’s total inflation figure in May.

“And as we know, many Ghanaian homes still cook with charcoal, and when that cost goes up, everyone feels it,” Dr Iddrisu added.

His comments highlight the growing gap between improving national inflation indicators and the daily realities facing households, many of which continue to grapple with rising food and energy costs despite broader economic gains.

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FAO and FARA Convene a Regional Consultation to Accelerate the Integration of Opportunity Crops into Africa’s Food Systems

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), have convened the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, Accra.

The consultation brings together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector actors, civil society, farmer organisations and regional institutions to advance the integration of neglected and underutilised crop species into Africa’s food systems.

These crops, increasingly referred to as opportunity crops, include millets, sorghum landraces, fonio, bambara groundnut, indigenous vegetables and other traditional crops that are deeply rooted in African food cultures but remain under-researched, under-invested and insufficiently represented in formal food, seed, research and market systems.

The conference comes at a critical moment for Africa’s agrifood systems. The continent continues to face interlinked challenges, including hunger, malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, rapid urbanisation and growing dependence on imported foods.

According to the conference concept note, roughly one in five people in Africa faced hunger in 2024, while more than one billion people on the continent could not afford a healthy diet. At the same time, Africa’s rich plant genetic diversity, which underpins food security, nutrition, livelihoods and cultural heritage, is under increasing threat.

Opportunity crops offer practical pathways for addressing these challenges. Many are nutrient-dense, locally adapted, resilient to climate shocks, suitable for smallholder systems and capable of contributing to diversified diets, local economies and climate-resilient agriculture.

However, their potential has been constrained by limited research investment, weak seed systems, fragmented value chains, low consumer awareness, inadequate market development and insufficient policy support.

Speaking ahead of the consultation, both organizing agencies underscored that opportunity crops should be repositioned as strategic assets for Africa’s food systems transformation, given their contribution to biodiversity, nutrition, resilience and cultural identity.

The consultation will also contribute to continental policy momentum following the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration, which calls on African Union Member States to increase the production and consumption of nutritious traditional and indigenous crops through appropriate policy, regulatory and financing mechanisms.

Over the three days, participants will review national and regional experiences with opportunity crops, discuss policy and institutional frameworks, examine approaches to conservation and sustainable use, and identify pathways to strengthen production, seed systems, value chains, research, capacity development, awareness-raising and market integration.

The programme will feature technical sessions on overcoming barriers to opportunity crops, strengthening knowledge and capacity, advancing regional action, promoting on-farm diversity and local adaptation, conserving crop genetic resources, improving breeding and pre-breeding systems, developing seed systems, and building the business case for opportunity crops.

The consultation will culminate in working-group discussions to develop an action-oriented regional roadmap to integrate opportunity crops into Africa’s agrifood systems.

The consultation will include contributions from regional and continental institutions, including the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, CORAF, ASARECA, CCARDECA, CGIAR, centres, Crop Trust, universities, farmer organisations, private sector actors, and other partners working to advance agricultural biodiversity and resilient food systems across Africa.

The event is expected to foster a shared understanding of the opportunities, gaps and priorities for mainstreaming opportunity crops in Africa, while strengthening partnerships among governments, research institutions, farmers, private-sector actors and civil society.

A key outcome will be a regional roadmap and collaborative action plan to guide future investments, policy reforms and coordinated implementation.

The consultation will be held in a hybrid format with interpretation in English and French, enabling wider participation across Africa and beyond.

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Burkina Faso inaugurates a modern cashew and mango processing plant in Mè, a new breath for rural industrialization:

The rural municipality of Péni, in the Guiriko region of Burkina Faso , has reached an important step in its economic development with the official inauguration of the new cashew and mango processing plant of GEBANA Faso in the village of Mè.

Sit on a 7.2 hectare site, this modern industrial complex positions itself as one of the most ambitious agro-industrial projects in the region.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the governor of the Guiriko region, represented by the Secretary General of the province of Houet, Sombéniwendé Nikiéma.

Through this major investment, GEBANA Faso reaffirms its commitment to local transformation of agricultural products and value-added creation in Burkina Faso.

The plant will help strengthen the cashew and mango sectors while providing important job opportunities to local people, including women, strongly involved in sorting, conditioning and transformation activities.

The cashew processing plant has a processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts per year, from the production of more than 7,200 producers. As for the mango unit, it will be able to produce up to 4,000 tonnes of dried mangoes per year, destined for both the domestic market and export.

Beyond its industrial role, this infrastructure is a real development lever for the region. It demonstrates the willingness to promote sustainable industrialization in rural areas while adhering to international standards of quality, food security and traceability.

With this new plant, GEBANA Faso actively participates in the structural transformation of the Burkinabe economy by promoting the valorization of local raw materials, improving the income of producers and the creation of sustainable jobs for the benefit of communities.

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Ghana calls for equitable ocean Governance at Neptune Forum in Paris

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has called for a more equitable, inclusive, and science-driven approach to global ocean governance during the prestigious Neptune Forum held in Paris, France, on June 8, 2026, coinciding with World Oceans Day.

The Neptune Forum, a high-level global gathering convened by Mission Neptune, brought together world leaders, scientists, diplomats, policymakers, economic actors, and ocean advocates to strengthen international cooperation for the sustainable management and preservation of the world’s oceans.

Speaking on the theme, “International Governance in a Fragmented World: Ocean Governance and Ghana’s Perspective,” Hon. Emelia Arthur highlighted the critical role the ocean plays in Ghana’s history, economy, food security, and cultural identity.

She noted that while technological advancements have significantly improved humanity’s understanding of the ocean through real-time vessel monitoring, artificial intelligence, marine data collection, and seabed mapping, major challenges remain. These include declining fish stocks, threats to marine biodiversity, increasing vulnerability of coastal communities, and persistent maritime insecurity.

The Minister emphasized that ocean governance must go beyond resource management and focus on equity, shared responsibility, and sustainable development.

She outlined Ghana’s Blue Economy vision, which integrates sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine spatial planning, strengthened monitoring and enforcement systems, and community stewardship within a unified governance framework.

Hon. Arthur further drew attention to the disproportionate challenges faced by developing countries, particularly African coastal states, in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

She stressed that IUU fishing is not only an environmental concern but also a matter of economic justice, food security, and national sovereignty.

Calling for stronger international partnerships, the Minister advocated increased investment in scientific capacity building, technology transfer, and access to marine data and digital infrastructure.

She argued that Africa must not only consume ocean knowledge but also contribute to its generation and application.

As part of her address, Hon. Arthur proposed five guiding principles for the future of global ocean governance: Equity, Stewardship, Scientific Sovereignty, Recognition of Indigenous Wisdom, and Collective Security.

She concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to building a fairer and more effective system of ocean governance, stating that the ocean can serve as a bridge in a fragmented world when cooperation is founded on fairness, shared responsibility, and respect for the people whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

The Neptune Forum serves as a platform for advancing international dialogue on ocean governance, scientific exploration, climate resilience, and sustainable development, positioning the ocean as a cornerstone of global stability and multilateral cooperation.

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The 3rd Ghana International Horticulture Expo (HORTI EXPO 2026) postponed to 3rd – 5th September, 2026

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), alongside its partners following extensive consultations with key industryplayers, government institutions, development partners, and international participants, a strategic decision has been made to reschedule HORTI EXPO 2026.

The Federation alongside its partners GEPA and Eximbank Ghana, extends our sincere gratitude to all exhibitors, sponsors, media partners, and stakeholders for the overwhelming support received so far.

To avoid clashing with several major national and international business programmes occurring in June and to ensure maximum participation, media visibility, and commercial value for our exhibitors the Expo has been moved to September 2026. This adjustment also comes with an upgrade to an exceptional new premium venue.

UPDATED EVENT DETAILS:
New Dates: 3rd – 5th September 2026
New Venue: The Palms Convention Center, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra Theme: The Ghana Horticulture Expo ’26.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this scheduling adjustment may cause. We are confident that this new window will allow us to deliver a world-class event that maximizes networking and market opportunities for the entire horticultural value chain.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership. Please update your calendars we look forward to welcoming you in September!

For urgent inquiries, please contact us at: +233 24 345 7783 / +233 53 522 4555

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Mahama explores Belarus Agro Hub to boost Ghana’s food security

President John Dramani Mahama continued his state visit to Belarus on Saturday with a trip to the industrial city of Brest, where he explored opportunities to support the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector through modern agro-processing technologies.

The President was received by the Governor of Brest, Piotr Alexsandrovich Parkhomchik, and senior officials of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry before touring one of the country’s largest agro-processing facilities.

The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and examine best practices that could be adapted to enhance agricultural production and value addition in Ghana.

During the tour, President Mahama was taken through the facility’s advanced dairy processing operations, which include the production of baby food, milk, cheese, and milk powder for both domestic consumption and export to international markets.

Accompanied by his Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, as well as Ghana’s Ambassador to Moscow, Dr Jehu-Appiah, the President observed the various stages of the plant’s high-tech production processes and engaged officials on the technologies driving the facility’s success.

In his post-tour remarks, the president noted Ghana’s commitment to adopting modern processing techniques to transition from smallholder farming to large-scale commercial agriculture.

“We are here to tap into Belarus’ vast experience as we work to make Ghana self-dependent in food production,” he stated.

He added that a primary goal of the visit is to identify technical solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, which is a major challenge for Ghanaian farmers.

Managing Director of the company, Aleksandr Savchits, revealed that they recorded over $1.4 billion in profit last year. The company has also recently begun exporting dairy products to Ghana and is looking forward to expanding the volume of exports as bilateral trade ties strengthen.

President Mahama extended an invitation to Belarusian investors to partner with Ghanaian business associations, citing a mutual benefit for both nations.

Belarus currently stands as a global leader in the export of dairy products, including milk powder, butter, and cheese.

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