We'll sustain efforts to ensure Ghana has a reliable and resilient energy system to support economic growth - Energy Minister

Ghana's government is focusing on horticulture as a key driver for export growth, with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry leading the charge. The government aims to ensure that the rising production of fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products generates greater economic value for the country. At the third Ghana International Horticulture Expo, Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated that non-traditional exports had exceeded US$5 billion in 2025, indicating a significant opportunity for Ghana to boost its earnings from agriculture.

To capitalize on this opportunity, the government has approved an agribusiness policy aimed at addressing critical issues such as raw material supply, financing, value addition, and market access. Additionally, the Feed the Industry programme will be implemented to strengthen local production and supply industries with the necessary raw materials.

However, Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that mere production increases would not guarantee export success, as Ghanaian horticultural products must meet stringent international requirements regarding food safety, plant health, traceability, certification, packaging, and quality standards.

The government is collaborating with key agencies to streamline certification and testing processes, expand laboratory and inspection services, and build the capacity of farmers, processors, and exporters. Their ultimate goal is to establish a coordinated, one-stop system of support that enables producers to obtain certifications more swiftly, ensure consistent compliance, and confidently compete in regional and international markets.

Davies Narh Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters, called for building upon the current achievements and aiming for a US$10 billion export revenue target or higher. He stressed the importance of producing what is consumed, processing what is produced, and exporting what the world demands, emphasizing the need for value addition to bridge the gap between agricultural self-reliance and economic sovereignty.

Efforts to value add in Ghana's agricultural sector come amidst concerns over challenges such as inadequate irrigation, expensive financing, post-harvest losses, weak cold-chain infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, logistics costs, and inconsistent standards. The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters urged for retaining more value within Ghana by generating income, jobs, businesses, and investments from agricultural production.

The Tree Crops Development Authority highlighted potential industries around commodities like cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, and mango, noting that processing these locally could lead to employment creation, enterprise development, technology transfer, and increased export earnings. Lastly, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority reported that non-traditional exports reached US$5.006 billion in 2025, reflecting a 30.7% increase from US$3.83 billion in 2024, and predicted the country to reach its US$10 billion non-traditional export revenue target by 2030.