Gov’t unveils ambitious cut-flower export corridor from from Daboya to Europe, West Africa and Gulf

The government of Ghana is collaborating with a private investor to establish a comprehensive cut-flower export corridor starting from Daboya, leading to the Tamale Air Cargo Hub and eventually reaching markets in Europe, West Africa, and the Gulf. This initiative is a part of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, aimed at fostering a competitive horticultural industry.

Augustus "Goosie" Obuadum Tanoh, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, revealed the plan during the opening of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show. He emphasized that the project seeks to transition beyond mere cultivation of horticultural products to creating a robust industry that connects production, aggregation, processing, logistics, and markets.

Ensuring a strong logistics infrastructure is crucial for the successful export of high-value agricultural products such as cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ghana's potential to compete with international horticultural markets, such as Kenya's $556 million in flower exports and the Netherlands' $28 billion in horticultural exports, has been highlighted.

The government aims to enhance existing domestic demand for flowers, as evidenced by the importation of roses for Valentine’s Day. The government also plans to bolster supporting infrastructure across various horticultural value chains, including the establishment of greenhouses and micro-irrigated food production systems. Moreover, the Tamale Air Cargo Hub will play a pivotal role in strengthening logistics for high-value agricultural exports.

The government's strategy envisions job creation, expanded exports, and sustainable environmental protection, all while striving to meet major international demand for flowers, similar to Kenya's capacity to transport flowers on an unprecedented scale.