AGRIC MINISTER ERIC OPOKU: GHANA MOVING FROM RAW EXPORTS TO INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING.

The Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced a major shift in Ghana’s tree crops sector, pledging to strengthen value chains and move the country from exporting raw commodities to industrial processing. Speaking at the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit & Exhibition, Minister Opoku told stakeholders that government reforms are underway to unlock the full economic potential of tree crops. “We are moving from fragmented production to organised value chains, from raw export to industrial processing, and from untapped potential to measurable prosperity,” he said. He explained that the Ministry is enhancing regulatory oversight, improving agricultural data systems, and creating an investor-friendly environment to support crops such as cocoa, cashew, shea, rubber, coconut, oil palm, and mango. According to Minister Opoku, coordinated value chains will ensure better pricing, improved quality standards, stronger export performance, and increased income for farmers. “Our long-term vision is to make Ghana a leading exporter of processed tree crop products, rather than a supplier of raw commodities vulnerable to global price shocks,” he added. He also stressed that sustainable growth in the sector requires strong collaboration between government, private investors, traditional authorities, and farmers, to build a resilient and value-added tree crops industry. The Minister’s remarks form part of broader government efforts to industrialise agriculture, expand exports, and create jobs across rural Ghana. ICAD TV — Reporting Mavis Addo Bridging the Gap