‘Seek ye first the productive economy’

President John Mahama [2nd – L] cutting the sod at the opening of the Ghana Horticulture Expo

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana’s future economic transformation hinges on building a “productive economy,” with horticulture playing a central role in that vision.

Speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre on June 11, 2025, President Mahama called for a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector, urging bold investments, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships.

“Our goal is not just food security, but economic security through agriculture… Seek ye first the productive economy. Let us grow Ghana one fruit, one field, and one future at a time,” he said.

The President outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the horticulture sector, beginning with the renewal of the Feed Ghana initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2028.

The programme includes targeted interventions such as the Yeridua (“We Are Planting”) Vegetable Development Project, Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centres, and Agribusiness Youth Clinics to support young agripreneurs with skills training, funding, and mentorship.

He emphasised the moral and economic urgency of the reforms, describing the struggles of farmers as not only technical challenges but national ethical concerns.

“Can a nation prosper if the very hands that feed it remain its most neglected?” he asked.

The Expo, themed “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticultural Sector,” brought together key stakeholders from across Africa, including government officials, exporters, financial institutions, and agribusiness leaders.

The event aimed to reposition horticulture as a viable engine of economic diversification, job creation, and export growth.

Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), echoed the President’s call for action, describing the Expo as “a grand orchestra of ideas and enterprise.”

He pointed to the untapped potential of Ghana’s agro-ecological resources and challenged stakeholders to act boldly.

“Post-harvest losses still exceed 30%, and yields for crops like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts remain below global standards,” Korboe said. “Yet the global horticulture market is projected to reach over $320 billion by 2030. Ghana must claim its share.”

He also highlighted the transformative potential of the 24-Hour Economy policy, describing it as a game-changer for horticulture.

“Imagine cold storage running through the night, agro-processing plants operating in shifts, and exports moving without delay. This is not a fantasy; it’s a vision within reach,” he noted.

Korboe criticized rigid banking practices, calling on financial institutions to support innovation over collateral.

“Banking must go beyond vaults and spreadsheets. Let’s bank on ideas, nurture businesses, and grow together,” he stated.

Chairperson of the Expo and Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks, Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, called for equity reforms to strengthen private sector participation in agriculture.

“We cannot transform Ghana’s economy if farmers remain disadvantaged in ownership and investment,” he said.

He also advocated for local grocery franchises and smart agriculture systems to meet both domestic and international demands.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) announced a new Youth in Export Programme, aimed at engaging young people in export-led horticulture, particularly in underserved communities.

“The horticultural sector holds immense promise for us as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

“The Ghana Export Promotion Authority is working in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters and other stakeholders to roll out the Youth in Export Programme, targeting young people in communities across the country,” the CEO noted.

Kwaku Boateng, Vice President of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, called for collaboration between the government and stakeholders to drive the developmental agenda in the agricultural sector.

AM/KA