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

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    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.

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

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    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. 

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

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    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.

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

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    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

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