Chilli Pepper Export Strategy Could Generate $30 Million for Ghana in Three Years

Ghana is poised to boost its non-traditional export revenues by more than $30 million over the next three years through the commercial production and export of chilli peppers. This projection comes from the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), which is spearheading a targeted initiative to enhance chilli cultivation for export.

Under the plan, 30 hectares of land will be cultivated specifically for chilli pepper production, with farmers receiving specialized training to meet the high standards required by international markets.

Speaking to the media, Samuel Yeboah, Chief Operating Officer of GIRSAL, said the project’s initial phase alone is expected to generate at least $3 million in export revenue.

“The participating farmers are going to be trained not only in improved farming techniques but also in food safety and quality control measures to ensure their produce meets the criteria for export,” he noted. “Our projection is that within three years, Ghana can earn upwards of $20 to $30 million solely from chilli pepper exports.”

Laying the Foundation for Scalable Agricultural Exports

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify Ghana’s export portfolio by focusing on high-demand agricultural commodities. GIRSAL’s approach is centered on building farmer capacity, improving yields, and creating direct access to international markets.

“This project goes beyond basic cultivation—it is about building a competitive value chain,” Mr. Yeboah said. “Farmers will be introduced to export standards from the start, giving them the tools and knowledge to compete globally. This is how we build a resilient agricultural economy.”

He further emphasized that this initiative supports the government’s Accelerated Export Development Programme, which aims to grow non-traditional exports and reduce dependency on a few primary commodities.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond foreign exchange earnings, the initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on local communities by creating employment opportunities, enhancing livelihoods, and reducing poverty. The farmers involved will not only receive training but will also benefit from improved access to financing, inputs, and marketing support.

According to GIRSAL, the ultimate goal is to transition Ghana’s agriculture sector from subsistence-based operations to a more structured, commercially viable system.

“We are positioning these farmers as exporters, not just local suppliers,” Yeboah explained. “And when you equip them with the right tools and access, the results will benefit the entire economy.”

Government and Institutional Collaboration

The success of the initiative hinges on strong collaboration between GIRSAL and key government institutions such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. These partnerships will help ensure regulatory compliance, technical support, and alignment with national export targets.

“This is a collective effort,” Yeboah said. “We are working closely with public agencies to create the right environment for these farmers to succeed, and to make Ghana a reliable exporter of quality chilli peppers.”

Driving Long-Term Export Competitiveness

Ghana’s potential in the horticultural export space remains largely untapped. With growing global demand for spices and fresh produce, chilli pepper offers a lucrative entry point for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses looking to expand into export markets.

By prioritizing quality, safety, and productivity, GIRSAL believes the initiative can serve as a model for other export-oriented agricultural programs in Ghana.

“This is about building a future where Ghanaian agriculture is globally competitive,” Yeboah stated. “Chilli peppers are just the beginning—we can replicate this approach with other crops and scale our export potential even further.”