Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Outlines Ghana’s Strategy to Build a Multi-Billion Dollar Horticultural Export Sector

The Government of Ghana has launched an ambitious strategic roadmap to transform the nation’s horticulture sector into a global export powerhouse, targeting a significant increase in non-traditional export earnings to US$10 billion by 2030. Speaking at the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that the administration is committed to replicating the success of industry leaders like Kenya. This vision is supported by recent data showing that non-traditional exports already reached over US$5 billion in 2025, a 30.7% increase from the previous year, signaling strong momentum for the government’s value-addition agenda.

Central to this strategy is the establishment of a dedicated cut-flower production corridor stretching from Daboya to the Tamale Air Cargo Hub. Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh, revealed that the government is partnering with private-sector investors to create an integrated logistics system that connects local greenhouses to international markets in Europe, West Africa, and the Gulf. By leveraging the 24-hour economy model, the initiative aims to provide the necessary cold storage, aggregation, and transport infrastructure required to handle high-value, perishable agricultural products efficiently. This infrastructure is expected to bridge the gap between production and market access, which has historically hindered local growers.

Beyond flowers, the government is also tackling domestic food security and import substitution through the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI). Led by Minister of Agriculture Eric Opoku, GHATSI aims to boost annual tomato production to 400,000 tonnes, addressing a production deficit that currently costs the country over US$400 million in imports. The initiative focus on farmer empowerment and the development of local value chains to ensure stable incomes and sustainable employment. These efforts are complemented by the Shiqpon program, which integrates greenhouse production with processing facilities to maximize the value of every harvest.

Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare underscored that the ultimate goal is to shift Ghana away from exporting raw materials toward high-value processed goods. She noted that processing agricultural products locally not only boosts economic growth but also creates vital employment opportunities for the youth. By strengthening the Feed Ghana Program and environmental initiatives like the Tree for Life program, the government seeks to build a resilient agricultural sector that balances commercial success with sustainability. As these corridors and initiatives take shape, stakeholders are calling for continued collaboration to address remaining challenges such as fragmented supply chains and inadequate irrigation.