By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Eric Opoku, has said Ghana will no longer be satisfied with exporting raw cashew, rubber, and coconut without adding value.
Speaking at the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 on Tuesday, February 17, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Dr. Opoku said the government has taken a deliberate decision to reposition tree crops as major drivers of economic growth through processing and industrial development.
He explained that the country is moving from fragmented production to organized value chains, and from raw exports to industrial processing. The aim, he said, is to create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and boost foreign exchange earnings.
Through the Tree Crops Development Authority, the Ministry is strengthening regulation, improving data systems, and creating a more predictable environment for investors and exporters. Dr. Opoku stressed that regulation is not an obstacle to growth but a foundation for sustainability and investor confidence.
The Minister added that the government is scaling up the distribution of certified seedlings, strengthening extension services, and establishing training centres across major production areas. He noted that reliable raw material supply for processors and improved traceability systems are also being developed to meet international standards.
Dr. Opoku highlighted Ghana’s investment opportunities in plantation development, processing, agro-industrial parks, and downstream manufacturing, inviting investors to explore the country with confidence and a long-term vision.
He emphasized that farmers, particularly women and youth, remain central to the transformation agenda. Improving yields, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring fair markets, he said, are key priorities.
Dr. Opoku concluded that the summit is not only for speeches but also a platform to build partnerships that will move Ghana’s tree crops sector from potential to prosperity.
