Ghana Launches Ambitious Roadmap to Double Coconut Production and Dominate Global Markets by 2028

The Government of Ghana has unveiled a strategic roadmap to aggressively expand the nation's coconut industry, targeting a doubling of plantation coverage from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares by the end of 2028. Spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, this initiative seeks to cement Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading coconut producer and a major player in the global value chain. Currently, Ghana ranks as the top producer on the continent and among the top 12 globally, with an annual yield exceeding 500,000 metric tonnes. This expansion is expected to bolster the economic security of approximately 1.8 million people who currently depend on the industry for their livelihoods.

Significant progress has already been recorded under the Coconut Value Chain Development Initiative. To date, over three million high-yield seedlings have been distributed to more than 2,000 farmers, contributing approximately 31,500 hectares of new plantations and bringing the total national coverage to over 121,000 hectares. Key stakeholders, including the Ghana Exim Bank and the Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG), are providing the financial and technical backing necessary to overcome productivity challenges and bridge existing knowledge gaps. These partnerships are vital for ensuring that the rapid increase in acreage is matched by a corresponding rise in technical efficiency.

A central pillar of this roadmap is the transformation of traditional farmers into 'agri-entrepreneurs.' Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, representing the Presidential Initiatives, has emphasized that the vision extends far beyond mere harvesting. The government is urging farmers to move up the value chain by focusing on processing and branding their products to access premium international markets. By shifting from the export of raw materials to value-added coconut products, the initiative aims to increase the profitability of the sector and create a more sustainable economic model for local communities.

Looking forward, the roadmap integrates modern farming techniques and capacity building, as evidenced by recent training events for farmers held in Kumasi. By addressing technical skill gaps and improving processing infrastructure, the government intends to turn the coconut sector into a powerhouse for job creation and food security. As Ghana ramps up production for export, this ambitious drive represents a cornerstone of the nation’s broader agricultural strategy to foster a prosperous and resilient agribusiness economy.