Ghana’s Horticultural Sector Tipped as a ‘Game-Changer’ for Economic Growth — FAGE President Davis Korboe

Ghana has the potential to become a powerhouse in global horticulture, thanks to its rich natural resources and strategic location, according to Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE). Speaking at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, held on June 11 at the Accra International Conference Center, Korboe described the country as sitting on an "agro-ecological goldmine" that could drive significant export-led growth.

Highlighting Ghana’s fertile soils, diverse microclimates, and reliable rainfall, Korboe stressed that the country's natural agricultural assets remain vastly underutilized. Despite agriculture employing over 60% of the labor force, yields for high-value crops such as pineapples, mangoes, and vegetables fall short of global standards.

“Ghana isn’t just about selling fruits and vegetables — we are laying the foundation for jobs, industries, and competitive export systems,” he stated.

This year’s Expo, themed “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector,” brought together a cross-section of stakeholders including government officials, private sector leaders, exporters, agripreneurs, and development partners. Discussions centered on revitalizing the horticultural value chain through innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure upgrades.

However, Korboe noted that systemic challenges persist. Low productivity, weak infrastructure, and post-harvest losses — which result in more than 30% of produce going to waste — continue to hinder progress. To overcome these hurdles, he called for bold initiatives, including support for Ghana’s emerging 24-Hour Economy policy.

Describing it as a “game-changer,” Korboe said a round-the-clock agribusiness model — from night irrigation and continuous processing to 24/7 logistics and digital trade — could dramatically enhance productivity and competitiveness. “A 24-Hour Agribusiness Economy will not only boost yields but also create jobs, reduce waste, and open up global markets,” he added, affirming FAGE’s readiness to partner with both government and the private sector in piloting such innovations.

In support of youth engagement, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) unveiled a new Youth in Export Programme. The initiative aims to inspire and support young people in underserved areas to participate in horticultural export ventures. GEPA is collaborating with FAGE and other partners to roll out the programme nationwide.

“The horticulture industry is a vital engine for economic diversification, foreign exchange generation, and employment,” said the GEPA CEO.

Chairing the Expo, Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks, emphasized the need for equity reforms to empower private sector players and ensure fair farmer participation in the agricultural economy. “We can’t transform Ghana’s economy while farmers remain at the bottom in terms of ownership and investment,” he stated.

Dr. Kludjeson also urged the establishment of local grocery franchise systems and the adoption of smart farming technologies to meet both domestic and international demand.

Capping the event, President John Dramani Mahama presented a renewed national strategy to overhaul the horticultural sector. Key components include the relaunch of the Feed Ghana initiative (2025–2028), along with targeted programmes like the Yeridua (“We Are Planting”) Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics.

These initiatives aim to deliver skills training, funding, and mentorship for young agripreneurs, while addressing structural inefficiencies in the sector.

President Mahama framed the urgency for reform not just in economic terms, but as a moral imperative. “Can a nation truly prosper if the hands that feed it are the most neglected?” he asked, calling for collective action to uplift Ghana’s farmers and strengthen the country’s agricultural backbone.