Since 2017, the Ghanaian government has facilitated the creation of more than 350,000 jobs within the coconut value chain through targeted investments and a comprehensive revitalization strategy.
Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority (GEPA), recently noted that this employment surge is the direct result of distributing over one million disease-tolerant seedlings to farmers.
This initiative has successfully brought approximately 15,625 acres under cultivation across major producing areas such as the Western, Central, Ashanti, Volta, and Eastern regions, specifically aimed at meeting the rising international demand for coconut products.
The sector’s growth was a central theme at the 2024 International Coconut Festival, where stakeholders discussed the industry’s transition into a dynamic export pillar. To sustain this momentum, the government has collaborated with the World Bank to secure a $200 million credit facility.
This funding, managed by the Tree Crop Development Authority, is designed to strengthen institutional governance and improve climate resilience for key crops including coconut, cashew, rubber, and cocoa. A significant portion of these resources will be directed toward post-harvest management and the expansion of processing facilities to maximize the economic returns for local communities.
Regional leaders and industry experts emphasized that the coconut industry now serves as a vital economic lifeline, particularly for women and the youth. By providing platforms for technological advancement and research, GEPA aims to ensure that Ghanaian coconut derivatives remain competitive on the global stage.
The ongoing commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and encouraging entrepreneurship in value-added processing is expected to drive further job creation and establish the sector as a long-term model for sustainable agricultural development in Ghana.
