The government has announced plans to expand coconut plantations in Ghana from the current 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares by 2028, in a move aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening value chain development within the coconut sector.
The Office of the Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness said the strategy is intended to make the coconut industry more viable, resilient and competitive.
Ghana is presently Africa’s leading producer of coconuts and ranks among the top 12 producers worldwide, recording an annual output of more than 500,000 metric tonnes of fresh coconuts.
The industry currently supports the livelihoods of about 1.8 million people across the country.
Under the Coconut Value Chain Development Initiative, the government has distributed three million three-month-old coconut seedlings and other planting materials to over 2,000 farmers in 11 regions.
Authorities say this intervention has expanded national coconut plantation coverage by 31,500 hectares, adding to the existing 90,000 hectares.
Beyond the supply of seedlings, government has indicated that it is also focusing on strengthening the capacity of beneficiary farmers.
The objective is to equip them not only for production, but also for value addition, sustainability, and the consistent application of best agricultural practices.
Speaking at a Training and Capacity Building Programme for the Coconut Value Chain Development Initiative, the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, said the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, recognises that distributing seedlings alone cannot transform the sector.
According to him, real transformation occurs when farmers are empowered with the appropriate knowledge and practical skills.
He said government is committed to ensuring coconut farmers are trained in modern farming methods, proper planting techniques, efficient farm management, pest and disease control, and, critically, how to approach farming as a business venture.
“This initiative has added 31,500 hectares of new coconut plantations to the existing 90,000 hectares across Ghana. The vision of the sector is that in the medium term—by the end of this term in 2028—the total coverage of coconut plantations in the country will be doubled from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares,” Dr Otokunor stated.
He urged beneficiaries to properly nurture the seedlings they have received and to act as ambassadors of the programme by returning to their communities to spread the message that agriculture is being supported, opportunities exist, and farming can be profitable.
Dr Otokunor also highlighted the importance of value addition, stressing that selling raw produce alone limits farmers’ income potential.
He encouraged farmers to explore processing, packaging and branding opportunities, noting that these steps significantly increase product value and open access to wider markets.
He commended the Ghana Exim Bank for its role in financing agribusiness and supporting exports, describing its contribution as vital to the success of Ghanaian farmers.
He further praised the Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG) for its continuous efforts in organising and advocating for coconut farmers to strengthen the sector.
Project Manager of COCOFEG, Abdul-Rahman Tamimu, welcomed the government’s intervention and described the support from Ghana Exim Bank as timely.
He said the initiative would greatly improve farmers’ livelihoods by addressing long-standing challenges, including low productivity and limited access to technical knowledge.
He added that the training programme would enable farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices, leading to increased incomes and improved living standards.
The Deputy Manager for Projects at Ghana Exim Bank, Isaac Obeng Antwi-Arko, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to promoting agriculture and agribusiness as critical pillars of national development.
The government has also assured continued collaboration with financial institutions such as Ghana Exim Bank and farmer organisations to further strengthen Ghana’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors.
Source: CNR
