The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Innovation, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has expressed concern over Ghana’s continued exportation of raw materials, which she says results in significant revenue losses for the country.

According to her, the six tree crops identified by the government have the potential to transform Ghana’s industrial and export sectors.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Tree Crop Investment Fair and Exhibition 2025 on July 29, 2025, she described the event as a landmark occasion and a strategic platform that showcases Ghana's progress and potential in the tree crop sector.

“These crops have the potential to diversify our export base, increase revenue, generate jobs for our youth, promote inclusive growth in rural communities, and boost agribusiness in Ghana. Yet, for too long, our tree crop value chain has remained largely underdeveloped. Raw exports dominate the trade landscape, limiting income, job creation, and industrial expansion,” Ofosu-Adjare said.

The Minister emphasised that value addition is no longer optional.

“We cannot afford to lose billions of dollars in export value by shipping raw cashew nuts while neglecting the cashew apple. We cannot continue to export or only minimally process shea when we could be supplying premium shea butter to our cosmetics industry, using it in pharmaceutical production, and exporting value-added products,” she said.

She stressed that the government’s vision is to position Ghana as a continental hub and global leader in tree crop production, processing, packaging, and exports.

SSD/MA