The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has endorsed efforts to improve agricultural logistics through private sector investment, stressing that affordable vehicle financing and reliable after-sales support will be critical to moving produce efficiently from farms to markets.
Speaking at the launch of the HOWO T3M light-duty truck by Zonda Tec Ghana in Accra, Deputy Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry, Ruby Neils-Palme, said efficient transportation must complement efforts to increase agricultural production under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme.
She noted that higher production alone would not deliver the desired economic benefits without effective systems for transporting, storing, processing and distributing produce.
“How do we move agricultural produce from where it is grown to where it is needed, at the right time, in good condition and at an affordable cost?” she asked.
The Ministry said the launch reflects an opportunity for private sector players to support the agricultural value chain, but emphasised that the usefulness of such vehicles would depend on their affordability, reliability and suitability for real operating conditions.
Neils-Palme said financing remains a major consideration for farmers and agribusinesses that need transport but may struggle to meet the full purchase price of a vehicle.
She proposed financing arrangements such as leasing and hire-purchase, alongside partnerships involving vehicle suppliers, banks, insurers and agricultural enterprises, to make commercial transport more accessible.
The Ministry also highlighted opportunities for cooperatives and producer groups to share vehicles, while specialised transport businesses could help farmers collect and deliver produce on schedule.
It further stressed the need for dependable after-sales services, including spare parts, trained technicians, warranties and maintenance support, warning that vehicle breakdowns during harvest periods could disrupt deliveries and lead to produce deterioration.
The HOWO T3M is a light-duty truck available in cargo and box-van configurations, targeting businesses requiring transport for goods and supplies.
The Ministry said further engagement with agricultural operators would help establish the truck’s suitability for different commodities, routes and operating costs, as well as the availability of technical support.
The launch comes as Ghana seeks to strengthen agricultural value chains and ensure that increased production translates into better market access, stronger business activity and improved returns for farmers.
