The Government of Ghana has announced plans to support the establishment of 100,000 hectares of new oil palm plantations as part of a major strategy to boost local agricultural production, create jobs and reduce the country’s dependence on imported palm oil.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, at the National Oil Palm Forum organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) in Accra.
Held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: The Role of TCDA in Resetting Ghana’s Oil Palm Industry,” the forum focused on strategies to transform Ghana’s oil palm sector and increase its contribution to the national economy.
Hon. Eric Opoku called for stronger partnerships between government, farmers, private investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders to develop a competitive, inclusive and sustainable oil palm industry.
The Minister highlighted five priority areas requiring urgent action:
- Improving farm productivity and access to quality oil palm planting materials.
- Increasing the participation and support of smallholder farmers.
- Addressing challenges related to land acquisition and agricultural financing.
- Expanding palm oil processing and value-added production.
- Building a traceable, inclusive and environmentally sustainable oil palm value chain.
The 100,000-hectare oil palm expansion programme is expected to increase domestic palm oil production, create employment opportunities and strengthen Ghana’s agricultural economy.
The government’s initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote agricultural investment, food security, rural development and import substitution, while positioning Ghana’s oil palm industry for sustainable long-term growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com