Government to Collaborate with Private Sector to Enhance Cocoa Production – Agriculture Minister
The Ghanaian government is preparing to join forces with private sector stakeholders and investors to develop more than 10,000 hectares of cocoa plantations, a significant move designed to increase production and strengthen the country’s position in the global cocoa market. Dr. Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, announced that this initiative is not only aimed at boosting the national cocoa output but also enhancing economic growth by adding value to the raw cocoa produced in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the launch of the Feed Ghana Project on April 11, Dr. Opoku stressed that the government would play a key role in overseeing the project to ensure its success. He highlighted that the collaboration with private investors would help maximize benefits, such as the creation of new job opportunities, increased export capacity, and a more competitive cocoa industry that would contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
The government is actively engaging investors who are willing to partner with local farmers to cultivate the 10,000-hectare cocoa plantation. These investors have committed to establishing processing plants in Ghana to add value to the cocoa beans before export. This move is expected to boost the local economy by reducing the country’s dependency on exporting raw cocoa, thus allowing Ghana to capture more value from its cocoa industry. Dr. Opoku emphasized that the government is working closely with private sector partners on both the cultivation and marketing of the crop, ensuring a coordinated effort that maximizes returns for the country.
Ghana’s cocoa industry has been struggling in recent years, with the sector facing consistent declines. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the industry saw a significant contraction of 21.4%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of negative growth. Prior to this, the industry had experienced sharp declines of 26% in both the second and third quarters of the same year. This prolonged downturn has raised concerns about the future of the cocoa sector and its impact on the broader agricultural economy.
To address this challenge, Dr. Opoku outlined several key strategies aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of improving the business environment for agribusinesses, increasing agricultural productivity, and making the sector more attractive to both local and foreign investors. The government is focused on creating a more supportive framework that encourages growth and innovation within the agricultural space.
In addition to the cocoa initiative, the Minister mentioned ongoing discussions with tomato factories in Tema to link them with local farmers. This initiative aims to create a more sustainable market for farmers by setting up mini processing plants in rural areas. By providing a ready market for farmers’ produce, the government hopes to stabilize the income of local farmers and reduce post-harvest losses, which often affect the agricultural sector.
These efforts reflect the government’s broader strategy to transform Ghana’s agricultural industry into a more sustainable and competitive sector. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both the public and private sectors, the government aims to reinvigorate the agriculture sector, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and ultimately secure Ghana’s position as a leader in the global cocoa market. The Feed Ghana Project and other agricultural initiatives are part of a long-term vision to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create a more resilient agricultural economy in Ghana.
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