Mahama sets $12bn export target, positions tree crops as Ghana’s growth engine
President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious $12 billion annual export target for Ghana by 2035, positioning tree crops as a central driver of economic growth, job creation, and industrial transformation.
Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026, President Mahama described the sector as “engines of transformation” that will underpin Ghana’s economic reset.
“For decades, agriculture has contributed about 21 percent to our GDP, and cocoa has been our pride,” he said. “But Ghana must move from dependence to diversification. Climate shocks, global price volatility, and environmental stress demand that we broaden our agricultural base. Tree crops are central to this vision.”
He outlined six priority tree crops beyond cocoa — cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea — which collectively employ over 1.6 million Ghanaians and support rural livelihoods.
“These are not secondary crops,” the President emphasized. “They provide jobs, promote gender inclusion, strengthen rural economies, and are vital to our strategy for inclusive growth.”
From Raw Exports to Industrial Processing
President Mahama also underscored the need to move away from exporting raw commodities.
“We will no longer export raw cashew, raw shea, or unprocessed rubber while importing the same finished products at higher prices,” he said. “Our target is clear: 50–60 percent local processing annually, expansion of agro-industrial parks, incentives for private-sector processors, and stronger regulatory oversight.”
He highlighted the $500 million Red Gold initiative, which aims to develop 100,000 hectares of oil palm and create 250,000 direct jobs. “If we achieve this target, it will eliminate the 40 percent oil palm imports we currently rely on and position Ghana as a net exporter,” he said.
$12 Billion Export Ambition
President Mahama revealed that the $12 billion export goal will be spread across the priority tree crops, with an expected $2 billion in export earnings from each sector.
“Our 2035 ambition remains bold,” he said. “Yes, it is ambitious. But it is achievable — if each of you participates in growing and processing these crops. The resetting agenda is about production, jobs, exports, value addition, and inclusive growth. The tree crop sector encompasses all of these priorities.”
The President also linked the tree crops strategy to Ghana’s green economy goals, noting that tree crops are “climate-positive assets” that enhance carbon sequestration, reduce soil degradation, and promote biodiversity.
He concluded by urging investors to seize the opportunities presented by tree crops. “Let this summit mark the turning point at which Ghana decisively shifts from raw exports to industrial processing, from vulnerability to resilience, and from promise to performance,” he said.
President Mahama then officially declared the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 open.
