The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davies Narh Korboe, has called for a deliberate national effort to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural capacity to feed the population, supply local industries, reduce avoidable dependence on imports and compete confidently in global markets.

He said agricultural self-reliance should not mean Ghana turning its back on international trade but rather building the capacity to produce, add value and compete effectively while creating jobs and generating foreign exchange.

Korboe made the call at a press soirée ahead of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from September 3 to 5, 2026, at the GEPA Impact Hub in Accra on August 14, 2026.

The Expo is being held under the theme, “From Soil to Sovereignty: Building Ghana’s Agricultural Self-Reliance.”

According to the FAGE President, Ghana has fertile land, hardworking farmers and agricultural products with strong market potential but significant value continues to be lost due to challenges in financing, technology, storage, logistics, standards, packaging and market access.

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“Our soil is our foundation. Our farmers are our strength. Our enterprises are our engines. Our exporters are our bridge to the world,” he said.

Korboe called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, financial institutions, researchers, farmers, processors and exporters to drive the transformation of the agricultural sector.

He said government must provide a stable and enabling environment, while the private sector invests and innovates. Financial institutions, he added, must develop financing models that reflect the realities of agriculture, while research and technology must respond to practical industry needs.

He further stressed the importance of quality, consistency, innovation, value addition and trusted Ghanaian brands in helping the country expand its presence in international markets.

The FAGE President said horticulture provides one of Ghana’s clearest opportunities to create value and generate employment, particularly through the production and processing of fruits, vegetables, spices, tubers and other agricultural products.

He noted that processing, proper packaging, branding and competitive marketing could significantly increase the value of Ghanaian agricultural products.

“Every additional layer of value created in Ghana means more jobs, stronger enterprises, higher incomes, greater export earnings and more resilient communities,” he added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, said the Ghana Horticulture Expo is important to the Authority’s mandate of expanding and diversifying Ghana’s non-traditional exports.

He described horticulture as central to that mandate, noting that Ghanaian fruits, vegetables and ornamental produce have significant potential beyond the domestic market.

According to him, these products are increasingly finding their way onto shelves and into markets across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and, increasingly, the African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Meanwhile, the Managing Partner of Agromonti, Dominic Donkor, has cautioned farmers against the indiscriminate use of chemicals in agricultural production.

According to him, some chemicals used by farmers can destroy crops and undermine the quality and marketability of agricultural produce.

He urged farmers to exercise caution in the selection and application of agrochemicals to protect their crops and ensure that Ghanaian agricultural products meet the quality and safety standards required in international markets.

AM

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