Chairman of the Orange Growers Association (OGA) of Ghana, Opanyin Nimo Ahinkorah, has said that the association is well-positioned to substantially boost Ghana’s share of the global orange market, leveraging its rapid expansion and innovative approaches.
The global orange market is projected to reach $5.6 billion by 2032, driven largely by rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of oranges.
Presently, Ghana ranks behind Africa’s leading orange exporters—South Africa and Egypt—which generated $807 million and $758 million, respectively, in 2022 from fresh and dried oranges, as reported by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).
“Every part of the orange is valuable, but we have not fully taken advantage of it until now. Now, the Orange Growers Association of Ghana is on track to greatly expand our nation’s footprint in the global orange market,” Mr. Ahinkorah said during the inauguration of the organisation’s new head office in Akim Oda.
He noted that Ghana’s geographical location offers more advantageous conditions compared to the leading market players, and the association plans to capitalize on this.
Traditionally, orange farmers have encountered various challenges, such as significant post-harvest losses, pest infestations, diseases, fluctuating market conditions, low competitive pricing, and a lack of external support.
“This led some farmers to abandon their farms and cut down the orange trees to grow other more profitable crops,” the board chair explained.
The establishment of the OGA in 2020, spearheaded by Eastfield Farms, has significantly transformed the industry.
The association was created to unite orange growers across the nation, with key objectives including establishing a quality standard for Ghanaian oranges, helping growers compete globally, embracing new technologies, and ensuring the long-term profitability of its members.
Since its inception, the OGA has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its membership from 273 in 2020 to over 3,000 by 2024, now spanning 12 districts and 82 rural communities.
“We have actively trained and resourced over 800 farmers, and our membership can largely be attributed to the strength of our partners and the programmes we undertake,” Mr. Ahinkorah said, adding that the development is contributing to a change in the perception around farming in the community.
OGA’s partners, which include industry leaders such as GIZ, Sono Ghana, Ankaa, and Compass, have been instrumental in the association’s activities. Their support has ranged from providing logistics and personal equipment to conducting training seminars and introducing modern technologies.
“Compass, our Ivorian partner, buys the fruits unripe, mitigating wastage and post-harvest losses, while Kofutus, a Spanish partner, is helping to introduce modern technologies and insights into orange farming and processing,” the OGA Board Chair said, citing one such example.
To further boost the industry, the OGA will continue its resolve and aim to set up a Citrus Development and Extension Services Team to assist aged farmers, boost productivity, and ensure conformity to industry standards. This team will be equipped with technologies like drones to help monitor the fields and address issues like encroachment.
The association’s commitment to sustainability and growth is evident in its focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing the quality and consistency of its produce, and adding value at every stage of the supply chain.
“Through initiatives like the rehabilitation of old farms, the introduction of cutting-edge agronomic techniques, and the establishment of fair pricing and processing infrastructure, we are ensuring that orange farmers can achieve more than just subsistence,” Mr. Ahinkorah stated.
The OGA Board Chairman acknowledged that the success of this endeavour cannot be achieved in isolation. He called upon all stakeholders, including the government, private sector partners, and international organisations, to join hands and collaborate with the association.
“We need your support, your investment, and your expertise to fully realize the potential of our industry. Together, we can build productive partnerships that will bring new technologies to our farms, open new markets for our produce, and provide our farmers with the tools they need to succeed,” he noted.
As a result, OGA has urged both local and international stakeholders to collaborate with them in enhancing orange production, increasing consumption, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in Ghana.
