Ghana is no longer satisfied with exporting cash crops without value addition, Mr Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has said.
He said the Government had initiated a transformative pathway towards value addition by attracting investment in processing, agro-industrial parks and downstream manufacturing for commodities such as raw cashew, raw shea nut and unprocessed rubber.
Mr Opoku said this at the opening of the 2026 Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition, held under the theme: “Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy.”
“This transformation will create jobs, expand rural incomes and increase foreign exchange earnings. In doing so we remain mindful that farmers are at the centre of this agenda,” he said.
Mr Opoku observed that Ghana’s tree crop sector had expanded largely through private initiatives and individual efforts.
“Production increased, but coordination was limited. Regulation was weak, and value addition did not match potential,” he said.
The Minister said the Government’s objective was to grow the sector by advancing regulatory oversight, improving data systems, enhancing licensing and compliance mechanisms, and creating a predictable operating environment for investors and exporters.
“Regulation is not an obstacle to growth, it is the foundation of sustainability and investor confidence,” he said.
Mr Opoku said the Ministry was scaling up the distribution of certified seedlings, strengthening extension services tailored to tree crop agronomy and establishing farmer training hubs across production belts.
“We are promoting nucleus outgrower arrangement to ensure reliable raw material supply and building traceability systems that meet international market standards,” he said.
The Minister said opportunities existed in plantation development, processing and refining, coconut derivatives and shea cosmetics, and assured investors of strong political will to safeguard their investments.
“The long-term growth of the sector will depend on blended finance, private capital mobilisation and responsible agribusiness investment,” he said.
The event was organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority in partnership with the World Bank, the Bank of Ghana, GIZ and others.
In attendance were President John Dramani Mahama and other Ministers of State.
By Issah Mohammed, GNA 18 Feb. 2026