Ghana’s Tree Crops: The Time to Invest is Now – Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi Charges Investors
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has called for increased private sector investment in Ghana’s tree crop sector, describing it as one of Africa’s most compelling agribusiness opportunities.
Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit & Exhibition (GTCIS–2026), Hon. Ahi urged investors to take advantage of the sector’s transformation from a traditional raw commodity exporter to a value-driven industrial powerhouse.
He emphasized that Ghana’s tree crops industry comprising cocoa, rubber, cashew, shea, oil palm, and coconut is no longer just about exporting raw produce. Rather, it is focused on value addition, industrial expansion, and capturing a greater share of the over $300 billion global processed commodities market.
Hon. Ahi noted that while Ghana already generates billions in export revenue from tree crops, the true opportunity lies in expanding local processing capacity. He highlighted bold policy reforms aimed at de-risking private sector investments, including the ban on raw rubber lump exports to ensure adequate local supply for processors.
He also pointed to the government’s 50 percent local cocoa processing target, backed by structured supply arrangements through the Ghana Cocoa Board. According to him, these measures make processing ventures more bankable and commercially viable.
The Deputy Minister further referenced the government’s “Feed the Industry” programme, which aggregates production from more than two million farmers through cooperatives and out-grower schemes.
This system ensures traceability, sustainability compliance, and reliable supply critical requirements for premium markets in Europe and North America.
Beyond raw material availability, Hon. Ahi stressed that Ghana offers political stability, a strong legal framework, efficient port infrastructure, and a young, English-speaking workforce. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Ghana provides investors strategic access to a continental market of 1.3 billion people.
He assured investors that the Ministry’s agribusiness unit stands ready to fast-track permits, facilitate land acquisition, connect investors to farmer cooperatives, and support financing discussions—helping move projects from agreement to groundbreaking within six months.
Representatives from financial institutions in a presentation on “unlocking finance for the Tree crop sector”, pledged their support for investment in the tree crop enterprise, aiming to enhance competitiveness, ease financing constraints, and reduce the financial burden on farmers among others.
