The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has identified post-harvest losses as a major challenge facing Ghana's agricultural sector, calling for expanded infrastructure to address the problem.

Abdul Razack Baba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, said reducing post-harvest losses would boost investor confidence and attract more investment into the sector.

He cited cashew production as an example, explaining that large quantities of cashew apples rot on farms due to the lack of processing factories and inadequate infrastructure to transport the produce from farm gates.

Speaking at a regional investment forum in Sunyani, Baba said GIPA is working to improve infrastructure and promote clear national policies that create a favourable environment for businesses to thrive.

The forum, held under the theme, "Driving Local Investment, Unlocking Regional Potential: Mapping Opportunities and Mobilising Growth in the Bono Region," sought to spotlight investment opportunities and promote both local and foreign investment in the region's agricultural sector.

Baba said GIPA is promoting joint ventures and is looking to support existing businesses to expand their operations through strategic partnerships.

“The good news is that the Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is reducing lending rates to enable existing companies to access capital and expand their businesses,” he said.

He added that GIPA is also encouraging landowners to register their lands so they can be linked with potential investors.

“We are looking for individuals who have land to register it so that we can connect them with investors,” he said.

Joseph Akwaboa, Bono Regional Minister, said the region occupies a strategic position with a favourable climate, fertile agricultural land, a peaceful environment and a hardworking population, making it an attractive destination for investment.

He noted that, beyond these advantages, the region boasts abundant natural resources, available land, a productive workforce and strong traditional institutions.

Akwaboa urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in agro-processing, including the processing of cashew, maize, cassava, yam, plantain, vegetables, mangoes and cocoa.

He said there are also significant opportunities in food processing, fruit juice production, starch manufacturing, edible oil production, animal feed production, rice milling, flour production and large-scale warehousing.

According to him, adding value to agricultural products would empower farmers, build a more resilient economy, reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs and strengthen the economic base of local communities.