Honorable Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, has announced a bold and transformative shift in Ghana’s agricultural strategy, aimed at repositioning the country toward a structured and industrialized tree crop economy.
The Minister made this declaration when he addressed participants at the maiden edition of the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition (GTCIS 2026), held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The high-level event attracted a distinguished audience, including His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama; His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, represented by Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, Omanhene of the Nkoranza Traditional Area; Ministers of State; Chief Executive Officers; development partners; investors; and key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Eric Opoku explained that the current administration is deliberately transforming Ghana’s tree crops sector from fragmented and largely informal production systems into organized, investment-ready pillars of national economic growth. He noted that the new approach prioritizes order, predictability and sustainability, underpinned by a robust regulatory framework led by the Tree Crops Development Authority.
“This strategic reset is about creating confidence for both farmers and investors,” the Minister said. “We are strengthening access to reliable planting materials, expanding extension services, and enforcing industry standards that will protect investments while improving farmer incomes.”
A key highlight of the Minister’s address was the urgent need for Ghana to move beyond the export of raw agricultural commodities. He stressed that the future of the sector lies in value addition, calling for increased local processing of cashew and shea, the development of integrated agro-industrial hubs for coconut and oil palm, and the expansion of rubber and mango into high-value manufactured products. To support this agenda, the Ministry is working to secure land banks in suitable ecological zones and is collaborating closely with institutions such as the Ghana Standards Authority to ensure compliance with international export requirements.
Placing farmers at the heart of the transformation, Hon. Eric Opoku announced plans to scale up the distribution of certified elite seedlings and establish training hubs to boost productivity and significantly reduce post-harvest losses. He emphasized the inclusive nature of the strategy, highlighting the central role of women in the shea sector and the growing participation of young people in cashew and mango value chains, positioning tree crops as a sustainable pathway for rural livelihoods and youth employment.
In conclusion, the Minister invited private sector players to partner with government in building long-term value across the tree crops sector. Referencing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, he urged financial institutions to treat tree crops as structured, asset-backed investments rather than speculative ventures.
“With coordinated production, effective regulation and strong local processing, Ghana’s tree crop sector is moving decisively from potential to prosperity,” Hon. Eric Opoku affirmed.
