Ghana eyes flower export boom as government moves to build full horticulture industry

Ghana aims to transform its horticulture sector into a major export industry, with the government developing a cut-flower corridor to connect local producers to markets in Europe, West Africa, and the Gulf. Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy, Augustus "Goosie" Obuadum Tanoh, emphasized that production alone is not enough to build an industry; it must connect to aggregation, processing, logistics, and markets, supported by finance, standards, skills, and technology.

Ghana has proven its international competitiveness, exporting $75 million worth of mangoes to 42 markets in 2024, yet it continues to import horticultural products it can produce domestically. Tanoh highlighted the domestic and international demand for flowers, noting that Valentine's Day imports of roses from various sources reflect domestic market demand.

The government is leveraging programs like the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme to facilitate the transition from production to a full industry. The peri-urban agricultural initiative, Shiqpon, will integrate greenhouses and micro-irrigated food production, while the Tamale Air Cargo Hub is set to enhance logistics for high-value exports, including cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

Tanoh pointed out Kenya's success in handling Valentine's Day flower exports, with the country contracting additional wide-body cargo planes to meet demand. He urged Ghana to adopt a similar approach, emphasizing that building an environmentally sustainable horticulture industry is feasible. Ghana must focus on producing more, creating jobs, and expanding exports while preserving natural resources that sustain horticulture.

Tanoh stressed that the vision should be to create a business and beauty sector that thrives on green industries, benefiting both the economy and the environment.