Latest Ghana News Headlines Today
Western Region to host 3rd International Coconut Festival Ghana
This year's event bears the theme; "Invest in Ghana's Coconut Sector for an Inclusive Climate and Social Resilience."
Advertisement
There will be a diverse array of activities, including a trade exhibition, a seminar, and mentorship sessions tailored for young individuals and women in the coconut sector.
Additionally, the programme will feature economic and technical negotiations, fostering networking opportunities among participants, and visits to coconut farms.
Striking similarities
The Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, made the announcement during a visit to the office of the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
While extending an official invitation to Mr Ibas for the upcoming event, he underlined the striking similarities between Ghana and Nigeria and called for the strengthening of trade relations that would mutually benefit both nations.
Mr Darko-Mensah encouraged Nigerian business leaders and investors to visit Takoradi for the event, highlighting Nigeria as the largest buyer of Ghana's coconuts, predominantly sourced from the Southwestern region of Ghana.
Strategic partnerships
Mr Ibas reciprocated the sentiment, urging business owners from both countries to forge strategic partnerships, thereby harnessing the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Coconut production in Ghana
Ghana incorporated coconut into the portfolio of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) in 2019.
The body has the mandate to develop and regulate the production, processing, marketing, and export of coconut and other selected tree crops.
As per statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organisation Corporate Statistical Database for 2017, Ghana claimed the 14th spot among the world's foremost coconut producers, boasting a production of 383,960 metric tonnes in that year alone.
The non-traditional export figures for 2022 were indicative of the coconut sector's substantial economic contribution. Notably, earnings from both fresh and processed coconuts reached 6.3 million dollars and 6 million dollars, respectively.
Ghana's export of desiccated coconut also emerged as a standout performer. Exports in this category rose to $21.9 million in 2021, a significant increment from $6.3 million in 2020 and $3.8 million in 2019, securing the nation a commendable 9th position in global desiccated coconut exports.