Ghana’s Horticultural Catalogue

Introduction

Agriculture plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy and has a great impact on poverty reduction and the sector remains one of the most competitive in the Ghanaian economy contributing about 20% to the country’s GDP. The sector currently provides employment for about 44.7%1 of the total workforce in the formal and informal sectors. The main agricultural commodities include root and tubers, cereals, tree plantation crops such as cocoa, oil palms and shea, horticultural crops (mainly papaya, pineapples, mango, and vegetables), livestock and fisheries.

Agriculture in Ghana is predominantly a smallholder activity or the out-grower scheme. About 90% of farm holdings are less than 2 hectares in size, although there are some relatively large farms and plantations, particularly for rubber, oil palm, banana, pineapple, and coconut and to a lesser extent, rice, maize, and cocoa. Ghana’s primary cash crops are cocoa, oil palm, pineapple, mango, cassava, tomato, banana, citrus, cashew, and vegetables. One of the government’s main objectives in the horticultural sector is to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of crops through enhanced access to improved technological packages for increased productivity and to ensure sustainable management of the environment.

About GEPA

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is the national focal point agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the mandate to develop and promote non-traditional exports in Ghana. The goal of GEPA is to ensure that Ghana’s non-traditional export trade contributes to accelerated economic growth through strategic marketing of Made-in-Ghana products in the competitive global economy. GEPA provide relevant trade information to buyers interested in sourcing quality products from the country. To this end, GEPA assists buyers to make well-informed decisions on doing business in Ghana.

Associations’ Profile

Sea-Freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana (SPEG)

Sea-Freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana (SPEG) which was founded in 1994, is a group of 27 pineapple and other fruits producers and exporters in Ghana who currently together export on the average 30,000 tons of fresh pineapples per year in reefer vessels and by air. SPEG assists its members in maintaining good quality standards, attaining certification (GlobalGAP) and provide shipping arrangements. SPEG aims at bringing together operators in the pineapple and fruit industry and promote good agricultural practices whiles provide efficient, effective, and economic logistics services.

Ghana Root Crops and Tubers Exporters Union (GROCTEU)

Ghana Root Crops and Tubers Exporters Union (GROCTEU) was registered in 2001 as the apex for yam exporters. In 2004, the Ministry of Trade and Industry appointed GROCTEU to set up and manage National Yam Pack House which is the single corridor for the inspection of all yam sea shipments by the regulatory agencies and customs. GROCTEU organizes regular workshops to educate stakeholders in best practices while acting as official representative of farmers and exporters to protect their interest in yam policy directives/interventions. GROCTEU is also responsible for streamlining the administration of the yam export trade.

Ghana Association of Vegetable Exporters (GAVEX)

Ghana Vegetables Association which comprises the top exporters of Asian and African vegetables from Ghana been in existence for the past 10 years. This association aims at establishing Ghana as an important vegetable producer and exporter on the world market under a brand name synonymous with quality and consistency. The association provides the following services to its members, quality improvement through sensitization and training of members, advocacy for condition favorable for vegetables export from Ghana.

National Mango Growers Association

National Mango Growers Association is responsible for undergoing research programs which helps the entire mango supply chain deliver quality product to its consumer—educating growers, shippers, packers, importers, retailers, and others with essential resources, information, and advice. Its main objective is to enhance production and export of mangoes in the highest quality.

Coconut Federation of Ghana

Coconut Federation of Ghana is the primary agent in charge of promoting the interests of coconut farmers in Ghana. The association aims at establishing a competitive market for coconut produced in Ghana, create employment, and provide a permanent income policy for coconut farmers to support community development.

Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG)

Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) was established in October 1997 by individual farmers and exporters. The main activities and operational areas of the association are the production of vegetables for international and local markets as well as the supply of seeds and agro-chemicals to producers. The main vegetables cultivated are sweet potatoes, okra, chillies, tinda, shallots and turia.