The President of Federation of Association of Ghanaians Exporters (FAGE) Mr. Davies Korboe has challenged the media to take interest in reporting issues relating to Agriculture, especially the horticulture sector.
According to him, it is high time the media redirect their focus and attention from politics to agriculture and exports because it is the only sector that has the potential to change the fortunes of the country.
“I would like to seize this moment to encourage the media to redirect their attention from politics to agriculture and exports, as they possess the adeptness to effectively promote our narratives,” Mr, Korkor stated.
He made this known at the maiden launch of the Horticulture Expo 2024 scheduled to take place on July 9 -12, 2024 at the Dome.
The aim is to bring industry players together to collaborate to foster equitable and sustainable prosperity.
He said since 2007, FAGE has been a pivotal force in driving Ghana’s horticultural sector’s export endeavors, diligently enhancing the skills and business capabilities of exporters and producers.
“We firmly believe that the sector harbors immense potential to bolster agricultural production, ensure national food security, boost foreign exchange earnings, fortify the country’s external reserves, stabilize the exchange rate, safeguard the environment and generate employment opportunities for the youth”
He said data from Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), in 2023, indicates that the total revenue from non-traditional exports (NTE) amounted to $3.9 billion, with the agriculture sector contributing $495.8 million.
This contribution from agriculture, he said could have been significantly higher if the requisite enabling conditions were in place.
“The six tree crops under TCDA are projected to generate $2 billion each by 2029. However, at FAGE, we contend that this projection falls short of the sector’s actual potential, which we estimate to exceed $5 billion annually by 2029.”
Mr. Korboe extended his sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the launch and the Expo event. Among the sponsors include, Feed the Future, USAID, GIZ, GEPA, Fidelity Bank, and GIRSAL.
The Special Guest of Honor and the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Sam Esson Jonah rallied governments and policymakers to prioritize the development of the horticulture sector, by focusing on investing infrastructure, research, and capacity building.
Sir Sam Jonah said this can reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food safety, and enhance the competitiveness of our exports and must streamline regulatory processes and create favorable conditions for trade, both within Africa and globally”.
He charged the horticulture sector to continue adopting best practices and exploring innovative solutions that would drive the sector forward.
“Your dedication and hard work are the backbone of our horticulture industry, and your efforts are crucial to our success”.
The potential of Ghana’s horticulture sector he indicated is vast saying, its impact on the economy can be transformative.” By working together—government, policymakers, and horticulturists—we can build a robust, sustainable, and prosperous horticulture industry that benefits all Ghanaians”.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Osafohene Efua Asabea Asare stated his outfits readiness support to the horticultural sector through strategic initiatives such as the revitalization of the coconut sector by supplying disease-tolerant coconut seedlings to farmers, supplying pineapple suckers to farmers, undertaking capacity building programs through the GEPA Export School, and market access programs, including the perennial partnership with FAGE to support exporters’ participation in several horticultural fairs such as the Fruit Logistica and the Macfrut.
“I would like to reiterate our commitment of making Ghana a leader in the global horticultural market by achieving this vision, we must together create a future where Ghanaian horticultural products are synonymous with quality, sustainability, and excellence.
