GIPA Urges Agricultural Infrastructure Overhaul as Ghana's 2025 Food Import Bill Hits GH¢36.5 Billion

Ghana’s agricultural sector is at a critical crossroads as the country grapples with a staggering GH¢36.5 billion food import bill while simultaneously facing significant post-harvest losses and a projected decline in cocoa production. Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reveals that in 2025, processed cereal grains, frozen chicken, and animal products dominated imports, with cereals alone costing the nation GH¢2.94 billion. This heavy reliance on foreign food supplies underscores an urgent call from the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) and industry stakeholders for massive infrastructure expansion and value addition to stabilize the domestic economy and enhance food security.

Addressing the root causes of these imbalances, the Deputy CEO of GIPA, Mr. Abdul Razack Baba, has identified post-harvest losses as a primary barrier to economic growth. Speaking at a regional forum in Sunyani, Mr. Baba emphasized that inadequate physical infrastructure and processing facilities are leading to significant wastage, particularly in the Bono Region. He specifically noted that crops such as cashew apples are often left to rot due to a lack of local processing capacity. To combat this, GIPA is advocating for favorable policies and strategic partnerships to attract both local and foreign investment, aiming to boost investor confidence by modernizing the agricultural supply chain and working with the Bank of Ghana to reduce lending rates for agribusinesses.

A promising shift toward industrialization is already emerging in the cashew sub-sector, where approximately 90% of produce has historically been exported in its raw state. JGrand Commodities recently launched its "Juki Nuts" brand, introducing cashew-based milk, butter, and protein bars to the market. Developed through the MOVE-ComCashew programme in collaboration with GIZ and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, this initiative exemplifies the value-addition strategy needed to curb capital flight. Founder Mr. Justice Ganaku noted that moving from raw exports to finished goods is essential for job creation and strengthening Ghana's position in the international market, a sentiment echoed by GIZ’s Ms. Sandra Retzer, who highlighted the role of innovation in agricultural value chains.

Despite these strides in diversification, the sector faces significant headwinds as cocoa—traditionally Ghana’s export backbone—is forecasted to see a 16% production decline in the coming season. Regulators attribute this drop to erratic weather patterns, crop diseases, and the natural low-yield cycles of trees. Bono Regional Minister Mr. Joseph Akwaboa has reiterated that the path forward lies in leveraging fertile lands for diverse agro-processing to minimize the impact of such volatility. By reducing the reliance on imports and maximizing the value of local produce, the government aims to transform these agricultural challenges into a sustainable engine for economic resilience.