TIG Post

Tag: Coconut

  • Coconut now a catalyst for job creation, sustainable livelihoods in Ghana

    Coconut now a catalyst for job creation, sustainable livelihoods in Ghana

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, has indicted that the coconut industry is paving way for economic advancement and considering it as an essential avenue for achieving sustainable livelihoods.

    While addressing attendees at the fourth International Coconut Festival Ghana (ICFG) in Accra, she underscored the diverse applications of coconut across various industries, earning it the nickname “tree of life.”

    “From food and beverages to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even construction materials, coconut is central to many value-added industries,” she said.

    “The coconut sector is providing significant employment opportunities and contributing to rural development, poverty reduction, and foreign exchange earnings. Coconut is now more than just a crop in Ghana – it represents a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, innovation, and employment for thousands across the country,” she stated.

    In this context, the CEO reiterated GEPA’s commitment to strengthening the coconut industry in the country.

    The authority plans to achieve this by prioritizing capacity building, research, and technological advancements, ensuring that Ghanaian coconut products are both competitive and sustainable.

    Dr. Asabea Asare urged the public to view coconuts as a significant investment opportunity in agriculture and to embrace innovative strategies to foster deeper growth.

    “To maintain and expand our presence in the global market, we must embrace innovation across the value chain by adopting modern farming techniques and improved seed varieties to advanced processing technologies and creative product development,” she said.

    Ghana is currently the top coconut exporter in Africa and ranks 12th worldwide, producing more than 500,000 metric tonnes each year.

    In 2022, the country earned US$15 billion from coconut exports, with forecasts suggesting this figure could rise to US$25.3 billion by 2029.

    The coconut industry transformation journey

    Recognizing the increasing global demand for coconuts, GEPA launched the coconut revitalization initiative in 2017, aiming to rejuvenate the struggling coconut industry and enhance the supply capacity within the value chain.

    Since then, the Authority has made significant investments in the sector, focusing on the procurement and distribution of disease-resistant coconut seedlings to farmers in the key coconut-growing regions, including Volta, Eastern, Western, Central, and Asante.

    Over one million seedlings have been distributed, resulting in the creation of approximately 350,000 jobs within the coconut value chain.

    The coconut industry has evolved into one of the most vibrant sectors, making substantial contributions to the export economy and positively impacting many families and communities.

    The three-day conference, held at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC), brought together key stakeholders from both local and international coconut value chains. It highlighted the economic and health benefits of coconuts, encouraged investment, and opened new marketing opportunities.

    Held under the theme “Empowering Lives through Coconut: Innovation, Employment, and Sustainable Livelihoods,” the festival was supported by the GEPA, the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), and Solidaridad, the development partner.

  • Ghana’s coconut industry positioned for global market – Fmr deputy minister

    Ghana’s coconut industry positioned for global market – Fmr deputy minister

    Former Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture and current CEO of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), William Quaitto, has emphasized the transformative potential of the new Tree Crops Regulations, 2023, at the fourth International Coconut Festival held in Accra.

    Running from October 21 to October 23, 2024, the festival united industry leaders under the theme “The Tree Crops Regulations, 2023, empower our producers, processors, and traders to maximize their potential while ensuring quality and sustainability,” Quaitto remarked.

    Mr Quaitto described the Tree Crops Regulations, officially titled L.I. 2471, as a critical tool to raise standards, streamline registration, and support the coconut value chain.

    As Ghana’s coconut sector continues to grow, Quaitto voiced optimism about the regulations’ impact on fostering a globally competitive, sustainable coconut industry.

    “These regulations are crucial for setting high standards and creating a competitive, sustainable coconut sector that can thrive in the global Bawumia promises ‘One District, One Modern Market’,” he said.

    The Tree Crops Regulations, 2023, mandate industry registration and provide specific support services to registered members. Farmers gain access to quality seedlings, extension services, and innovative research, while aggregators can apply for licenses to source directly from producers. Registered processors benefit from export subsidies, inventory management, and investment funds.

    The regulations require comprehensive documentation from applicants, including certificates of incorporation, environmental assessments, and tax compliance certificates. Licensing categories under the new regulations include plant multiplication, aggregation, and processing, with tax incentives to encourage local investment in processing equipment. This structured approach aims to boost industry standards, sustainability, and innovation.

    The International Coconut Festival, co-organized by GEPA, the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), and the African Coconut Group (ACG), aimed to attract investment in the sector and offered networking and mentorship opportunities for youth and women. It gathered farmers, policymakers, researchers, and marketers, with exhibitions displaying a range of coconut products at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    Ghana has become Africa’s leading coconut exporter and ranks 12th worldwide, producing over 500,000 metric tonnes annually. In 2022, the nation earned $15 billion from coconut exports, with revenue projected to reach $25.3 billion by 2029.

  • Coconut sector touted for employment gains as export demand rises

    Coconut sector touted for employment gains as export demand rises

    Ghana’s coconut sector has been praised for its significant contributions to employment, with over 350,000 jobs created in the past seven and a half years as global demand for coconut products continues to rise. 

    According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr Afua Asabea Asare, the government, through the GEPA, has so far distributed over one million seedlings covering 15,625 acres to farmers, generating approximately 350,000 jobs within the value chain.

    Speaking at the 4th International Coconut Festival Ghana, held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Empowering Lives Through Coconut — Innovation, Employment, and Sustainable Livelihoods,” Madam Afua indicated that these employment opportunities were created through a focused effort to revitalise the coconut sub-sector. 

    The initiative was primarily carried out by distributing disease-tolerant coconut seedlings to farmers across major coconut-growing regions, including Volta, Eastern, Western, Central, and Ashanti.

    “GEPA has made a modest but quite significant investment in the sector since 2017 by procuring and distributing disease-tolerant coconut seedlings to coconut farmers across the major coconut-growing regions of Volta, Eastern, Western, Central, and Asante. So far, we have distributed over a million seedlings covering fifteen thousand six hundred and twenty-five acres, generating about three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) jobs within the coconut value chain,” the GEPA CEO said during the opening of the International Coconut Festival Ghana in Accra last Monday.

    She clarified that the coconut revitalisation initiative was introduced to revive the struggling coconut industry, with the aim of enhancing the supply capacity within the value chain in response to the increasing global demand for coconut products.

    The International Coconut Festival Ghana is an annual festival that brings together stakeholders in the coconut value chain, including growers, exporters, and researchers, primarily from academia, to discuss issues that can support the development of the industry. 

    The fourth edition, which was held between October 21 and 23, 2024, hosted speakers and panellists, including the Country Director of Solidaridad, Eric Agyare; the CEO of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), William A. Quaittoo; the President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng; and the Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Paul Siameh.

    Dr Afua Asabea Asare is committed to fostering this innovative spirit by providing platforms for capacity building, research, and technological advancement to ensure that Ghanaian coconut products remain competitive and sustainable.

  • Ghana targets $25.3 billion from coconut exports by 2029

    Ghana targets $25.3 billion from coconut exports by 2029

    Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has set an ambitious goal to generate $25.3 billion in export revenue from the coconut industry by 2029.

    This initiative aims to diversify the nation’s export portfolio and reduce reliance on traditional commodities like cocoa, which has recently experienced a decline in export earnings 

    In the first quarter of 2024, Ghana’s total export revenue was approximately $5.1 billion. However, the cocoa sector faced challenges, with export revenues dropping by 32.8% compared to the same period in 2023, resulting in a $233.6 million shortfall.

    To counteract this, GEPA is focusing on the coconut industry, often referred to as “green gold” due to its vast economic potential 

    During the opening ceremony of the fourth International Coconut Festival in Accra on October 21, 2024, GEPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, emphasised the importance of adopting modern farming techniques and advanced processing technologies to enhance the coconut industry’s productivity and global competitiveness.

    Ghana currently leads Africa in coconut exports and ranks 12th globally, producing over 500,000 metric tonnes annually.

    The versatility of coconut, with applications spanning food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, positions it as a significant contributor to the nation’s economic growth 

    The three-day International Coconut Festival, themed “Empowering Lives through Coconut: Innovation, Employment, and Sustainable Livelihoods,” aims to attract investment into the coconut sector and offers mentorship and networking opportunities, particularly for women and youth 

    By capitalising on the coconut industry’s potential, Ghana seeks to bolster its export revenues, promote sustainable economic development, and lessen dependence on traditional export commodities.

  • Coconut industry offers greater profitability than Galamsey – Africa Coconut Group

    Coconut industry offers greater profitability than Galamsey – Africa Coconut Group

    President of the African Coconut Group (ACG), Davies Korboe, has urged business leaders to tap into Ghana’s coconut industry, highlighting its immense potential as a sustainable investment and a future top export commodity.

    In a discussion with journalists ahead of the 2024 International Coconut Festival Ghana, Mr. Korboe underscored that investing in coconut farming and processing brings numerous advantages, including substantial returns, job creation, and the diversification of Ghana’s export economy.

    With the country’s favorable climate and extensive arable land, the coconut sector is well-positioned to become a key player on the global stage.

    He also pointed out that the benefits of the coconut industry far outweigh those of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

    Mr. Korboe urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that coconut could potentially surpass traditional export commodities while offering an eco-friendly solution to Ghana’s unemployment challenges.

    “We’re calling on entrepreneurs to join forces with us to harness the nation’s coconut sector to boost our economy and secure a brighter future for Ghana.”

    The 4th edition of the International Coconut Festival Ghana, themed, “Empowering Lives Through Coconut — Innovation, Employment, and Sustainable Livelihoods.” will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre from Monday 21 October 2024 to Wednesday 23 October 2024.

    The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) are partnering with the African Coconut Group (ACG) to support the upcoming event.

    The ACG hosted Ghana’s first-ever International Coconut Festival in 2019, bringing together key stakeholders in the coconut value chain to promote the industry.

    In 2019, the government of Ghana incorporated coconut into the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), which is responsible for overseeing the cultivation, processing, marketing, and export of selected crops.

    According to 2022 non-traditional export data, the coconut industry made a significant economic impact, with earnings from fresh coconuts reaching $6.3 million and processed coconut products generating $6 million.

  • Man ‘assaults’ 10-year-old for climbing his wall to steal coconut

    Man ‘assaults’ 10-year-old for climbing his wall to steal coconut

    A group of young boys set out on a risky mission to steal coconuts from a man’s property under the cover of darkness.

    The owner’s angry voice interrupted their whispers as they scaled the fence.

    He swiftly got hold of the youngest member of the group, a ten-year-old boy, left behind by his cunning friends.

    Terrified and alone, the boy faced the consequences while his friends escaped. He was beaten with a cane several times. One of the whips landed on his head.

    Watch the video below:

    https://twitter.com/eddie_wrt/status/1773365567463850369?s=20

  • Close to 1.8m Ghanaians secure jobs through coconut industry – Kwaku Boateng

    Executive Director of the African Coconut Group, Kwaku Boateng, has reported that approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians have found employment within the coconut sector.

    This initiative aims to address the significant youth unemployment issue in the country.

    Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on September 25, 2023, Boateng highlighted that the job opportunities in the sector were created through collaboration with farmers, nursery operators, processors, and exporters.

    He emphasized that further investment in the coconut sector has the potential to make the industry more attractive to Ghanaians interested in various coconut-related businesses.”

    “The Coconut Festival aims to promote investment in the sector, making it more appealing for Ghanaians to engage in various businesses within the coconut industry, ranging from production to manufacturing and export,” Kwaku Boateng told the media.

    He said that leveraging the potential of the coconut sector may help Ghana overcome its high unemployment rate, citing significant demand for coconut products both domestically and globally to back up his assertion.

    According to a 2022 report on non-traditional exports, earnings from the coconut sector, both fresh and processed coconuts, totaled 6.3 million and 6 million dollars, respectively.

    Furthermore, exports in this category increased to $21.9 million in 2021

  • Here’s how to use coconut water for healthier hair

    Here’s how to use coconut water for healthier hair

    Coconut water is a natural ingredient that can help promote healthy hair due to its hydrating and nutrient-rich properties. Here’s how to use coconut water for healthier hair:

    1. Rinse Your Hair:
      • After shampooing your hair, use coconut water as a final rinse.
      • Pour the coconut water over your hair, ensuring that it covers all your strands.
      • Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it out with cool water.
      • This helps hydrate your hair and adds a natural shine.
    2. Hair Mask:
      • Mix coconut water with coconut oil to create a hair mask.
      • Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
      • Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deep conditioning.
      • Rinse it out with a gentle shampoo and cool water.
      • This helps nourish and moisturize your hair, making it softer and more manageable.
    3. Hair Growth Tonic:
      • Combine coconut water with aloe vera gel and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary.
      • Apply this tonic to your scalp and massage it in.
      • Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
      • This can help stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
    4. Detangling Spray:
      • Mix coconut water with aloe vera juice in a spray bottle.
      • Use this as a detangling spray when your hair is damp or dry.
      • It can help ease the detangling process and reduce breakage.
    5. Leave-In Conditioner:
      • Pour a small amount of coconut water into a spray bottle.
      • Spritz it onto your hair as a leave-in conditioner, focusing on the ends.
      • Style your hair as usual.
      • This provides extra moisture and can help reduce frizz.
    6. Scalp Treatment:
      • Mix coconut water with a few drops of tea tree oil.
      • Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in.
      • Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing your hair.
      • This can help soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff.
      • Remember to use pure and fresh coconut water for these treatments. You can either buy it from the store or extract it from a fresh coconut. Incorporating coconut water into your hair care routine can contribute to healthier, more hydrated, and shinier hair naturally.
  • Govt secures $200m boost to expand coconut and Tree Crop Production for exports

    Govt secures $200m boost to expand coconut and Tree Crop Production for exports

    The World Bank has provided a loan of $200 million to the government, aimed at aiding the coconut industry and three additional tree crop commodities. The objective is to enhance production for the purpose of exporting these products.

    Under the ‘Tree Crop Diversification Project’, the provided funds will aid the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) in conducting research and development on various strains of coconut, cashew, mango, and rubber.

    The funding will also be allocated towards enhancing the governance of institutional value chains, enhancing the ability of tree crops to adapt to climate change, and bolstering resilience. Furthermore, it will aid in addressing deficiencies in post-harvest management and value addition for the four chosen tree crops.

    Dr Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, announced this in a speech read on his behalf during the launch of the 2023 International Coconut Festival in Accra on Thursday.

    The TCDA is expected to work closely with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop disease-resistant varieties for the four tree crops.

    The project, the minister said would help upscale the production of the selected tree crops for export and position Ghana as a leader in the global market.

    The International Coconut Festival is scheduled from 26 to 28 September 2023, in Takoradi of the Western Region.

    The event would be characterised by exhibitions, seminars, networking, capacity-building workshops for farmers and negotiations with financial institutions for funding.

    “Invest in Ghana’s coconut sector for an Inclusive Economic Transformation and Improved Climate and Social Resilience” was the theme for the Festival.

    The event is being jointly organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, the Western Regional Coordinating Council, the African Coconut Group and the Tree Crops Development.

    Albert Kassim Diwura, the deputy chief executive officer, GEPA, expressed optimism that the launch of the Coconut Festival would propell the coconut agenda to greater heights.

    “We are excited because this project, which was started to improve the coconut sector, is gathering momentum and has the potential to position Ghana as a premier hub for coconuts on the African continent.

    In 2017, he said, the authority started the Coconut Revitalization Programme, to improve the supply capacity of the value chain and revitalise the once-struggling coconut sector.

    The rising global demand for coconuts was the driving force behind the intervention, he added.

    “While we acknowledge that coconut production is a multi-billion-dollar industry, it is important to note that all the top-producing nations, mostly in Asia, are earning significant rewards as a result of the significant investments in the value chain, Diwura noted.

    He called on the business community in Ghana to explore opportunities within the coconut industry.

    “Ghana is well-positioned to emerge as a leading global supplier of coconut products, thereby generating significant export revenues.

    “GEPA has undertaken notable and impactful investments in the sector since 2017. We have procured and disseminated disease-resistant coconut seedlings to farmers across the major coconut farming regions in the country”

    To date, nearly 800 seedlings have been distributed, covering over 12,500 acres.

    The Western Region has also outdoored a programme to distribute five million seedlings which was launched in 2020.

    Diwura gave the assurance that GEPA would continue to support the coconut sector with unwavering commitment until it became self-sufficient.

    He acknowledged the considerable investments made by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, through the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) programme.

    Also, he acknowledged the crucial role the African Coconut Group, led by Davies Korboe, its chairman played in promoting sectoral growth.

    The government’s establishment of the TCDA is noteworthy and supports its ardent advocacy.

    The TCDA’s initiatives are poised to fortify the sector, with coconut being a vital tree crop within its purview, he said.

    The authority earnestly called for enhanced inter-institutional cooperation to accelerate the coconut sector’s advancement.

    “We remain optimistic and encouraged by the support we are receiving, and we invite other stakeholders to join hands and contribute to these endeavours.

    “These coordinated efforts have the potential to firmly position Ghana as a global leader in coconut production and export,” Diwura said.

    The past five decades, the Authority has been steadfast in its mission to cultivate, facilitate, and elevate Ghanaian exports through diversification, leading to augmented export revenue and economic progress.

    The authority, he said, in recent years witnessed the implementation of various initiatives that were yielding tangible outcomes.

    Notably, the implementation phase of the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), which commenced last year, with a goal to generate a minimum of US$25.3 billion by 2029.

    While this objective may be formidable, Diwura said, GEPA was unwavering in its resolve to fulfil that vision.

    “Consequently, we have deepened collaborations with both public and private stakeholders in the export sector, culminating in the establishment of the NEDS Coordinating Secretariat, which has been operational since 2021.

    The exponential growth of countries like China and India is a testament to the transformative potential of export-oriented policies. Our nation’s progress hinges on substantial investments in the export sector,” he noted.

    According to statistics from the 2022 non-traditional exports, the earnings for fresh and processed coconuts stood at US$6.3 million, noting that the figure underscored the substantial potential for growth.

    He believed that proper policies and targeted interventions had the capacity to harness the potential of coconut sector to generate more revenue for the nation.

    He was of the opinion that the Festival would be one of the avenues to showcase the coconut sector’s potential to local and international investors.

    The coconut value chain, he said, presented numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with technical and financial support, to enable them experience exponential growth, extend their market reach domestically and abroad.

    He reaffirms GEPA’s unflinching dedication to the coconut industry and believed in its potential to generate substantial export revenue for the country.

    The authority, he said, was resolutely dedicated to collaborating with its stakeholders in elevating the coconut value chain to unprecedented levels.

  • I am selling sugarcane and coconut to survive current economy – Mr Beautiful

    I am selling sugarcane and coconut to survive current economy – Mr Beautiful


    Ghanaian actor, Clement Bonney, popularly known as Mr. Beautiful, has revealed that he has resorted to selling sugarcane and coconut as a means to cope with the current hardships in the country.

    According to him, the decline of the movie industry has significantly impacted his livelihood.

    He stated “The collapse of the movie industry has brought extreme hardships on some of us who are actively engaged in such a venture.

    “In other to survive the hardships in Ghana due to the collapse of the movie industry, I now sell sugarcane and coconut,” he stated.

    “Exactly as you are saying the coconut that I sell is the one that is grown in my hometown in Central Region which is Abura Dunkwa”.

    Mr. Beautiful, hails from Abura Dunkwa, a town located in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region.

  • Coco de Mer – The palm tree that produces the world’s largest plant seed

    The tropical islands of the Seychelles archipelago are home to a legendary palm tree that produces the world’s largest plant seed – a suggestively-shaped thing that can weigh up to 20 kilograms.

    Lodoicea maldivica, also known as the double coconut, or coco-de-mer is a remarkable species of palm tree that grows between 25 and 34 meters tall and yields giant seeds that measure 12 inches long, nearly 3 feet in circumference and have a weight of over 40 pounds.

    Because of their suggestive shape – they look like a pair of female buttocks – they inspired a number of legends and were highly sought after by both monarchs and other people of influence throughout the years. Even today, their rarity makes coco-de-mer seeds highly sought after by collectors.

    The coco de mer palm tree originates from the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in Seychelles. Today, a number of palm trees can also be found on the small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris, and Ile Ronde. In total, there are now only around 8,000 wild mature Lodoicea maldivica trees in the wild, which puts the species on the endangered list.

    The seeds aren’t the only giant thing that coco de mer palms produce. Their fan-shaped leaves can grow 7 to 10 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. That’s quite remarkable considering that this species only grow on nutrient-starved, rocky soil.

    There isn’t much nitrogen and phosphorus on the islands, but Lodoicea maldivica has adapted to live without them, requiring only about one-third of the nutrients needed by neighboring plants.

    Lodoicea maldivica seeds are so sought after because of how rare they are. Not only do they grow on a few islands in Seychelles, but during its centuries-long life cycle, a palm tree will only produce about 100 seeds. A seed apparently takes up to seven years to mature, and another two to germinate. However, germination only occurs when the palm reaches “puberty”, which according to The Spruce, takes between 80 and 100 years.

    The palm tree got its most popular name – coco de mer – because sailors once thought that the giant seeds they found floating in the ocean came from “coconuts of the sea” or coco de mer. In fact, the palm tree fruits, which contain the seed, are very heavy so they sink to the bottom of the ocean. After a while, the husk covering them, and the fruits themselves decay, allowing the seeds to rise up and float.

    Local legends inspired by the shape of the world’s largest plant seeds speak of male and female coco de mer trees coming together for nights of passion when no one is watching. If anyone witnesses their love, they are either struck blind or die on the spot.

    Coco de mer seeds have always been sought-after, even more so today when the species is endangered. A single seed can fetch several thousands of dollars, which is why they are generally kept locked in cages, to discourage poaching.

    Source: Complex.com 

     

  • Man dies after falling from a coconut tree at Offinso

    A man identified as K2 has been reported dead at Offinso Dome in the Offinso South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

    The deceased, believed to be in his 30s, is said to have died after he fell from the coconut tree at about 3:00 pm on Monday, October 18, 2022.

    According to a report by Otecfmghana.com, the deceased hit his head on some concrete blocks following the fall.

    It is, however, not known what may have caused his fall from the tree.

    Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited in a mortuary by the police, pending investigations into his death.

  • GEPA targets US$2.8 billion annually from coconut exports

    The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has said it is targetting an annual revenue of US$2.8 billion from exporting semi-processed and processed coconut annually, as there is a booming global market for fruit.

    Deputy CEO of GEPA, Samuel Dentu – who was addressing dignitaries on behalf of GEPA’s CEO Dr. Afua Asabea Asare at the 2nd edition of the International Coconut Festival in Accra, said the Authority in the last five years has given priority to the coconut industry.

    “In 2017, GEPA launched the coconut revitalisation intervention with the clear objective of reviving the then ailing coconut industry to improve the supply capacity of the value chain. Since then, we have seen the revenue potential of the crop rising,” he said.

    According to GEPA’s 2021 non-traditional export statistics, coconut raked in US$11.44million while coconut-oil earned Ghana some US$6.99million. These figures represent an increase of 132 percent and 33 percent respectively over the 2020 figures.

    “With these potentials, our goal is to work toward achieving an annual revenue of US$2.8billion in the very near future,” Mr. Dentu indicated.

    Indeed, Indonesia and other countries in South-East Asia make revenues of more than US$3billion in coconut export yearly. Indonesia alone has almost 17 varieties of coconut for export.

    “This tells us that with more strategic aggression in promoting more derivatives of coconut, we can gain a lot more ground”, he said, adding, “GEPA’s collaborative effort with the African Coconut Group, the Trade Ministry, MoFA, Ghana EXIM Bank and the Tree Crops Development Authority has contributed to the growing gains of the sector.”

    The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, said coconut is one of the tree crops that the ministry is promoting under its Food and Agriculture Development Policy.

    He said the sector had been identified by government as a major driver of the economy into the next decades based on the economic potential of the crop – including food security, environmental protection and poverty alleviation.

    He indicated that growing interest in the health benefits of coconut and its value-added products has resulted in a growing demand for its consumption, alongside its various industrial uses.

    “Global emerging trends in the coconut industry point toward value addition, and taking advantage of this countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, India and others have either transformed or are transforming their economies through value addition to coconut,” he added.

    The Chairman of African Coconut Group, Davies Narh Korboe, expressed the Group’s continuous collaboration to stimulate trade and investment in the agri-food sector of Ghana in order to improve productivity and value as well as job creation.

    It is estimated that about 500,000 people are currently employed in the coconut value chain across the country.

    About the International Coconut Festival

    Organised by Africa Coconut Group in collaboration with GEPA, the event’s second edition was on the theme ‘Repositioning Ghana’s Coconut Sector for Accelerated Industrialisation’, and called on industry players to help promote and develop the coconut industry while making it a significant and reliable revenue source.

    With its maiden event in 2019, the festival’s objective is to bring investors from across the world to export coconut from Ghana.

    The event was characterised by exhibitions of high and low-level technologies in the coconut industry, business seminars, financial support platforms, networking, talks and field visits.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Government to invest more in coconut production – Trade Ministry

    Coconut production in the country will see a major uplift as the government seeks to heavily invest in the agriculture sector as part of its industrialization agenda.

    The Ministry of Trade and Industry gave the assurance, in a speech read by Head of the Greater Accra Regional Ministry Office, Sampson Abankwah, on behalf of the sector minister, Alan Kyerematen at the second edition of the International Coconut Festival Ghana.

    Speaking at the event held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on September 21, 2022, Sampson Abankwah said, “It is the hope of the Ministry that we continue to strengthen existing institutional synergies and use every available opportunity to promote coconut production.”

    According to him, the industrialization agenda is geared towards reducing unemployment, improving balance of trade, and creating a self-reliant nation amid an economic crisis situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The second International Coconut Festival in Ghana, which commenced on September 20 and ends on September 23, is being organized by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in partnership with the African Coconut Group (ACG) under the theme “Repositioning Ghana’s Coconut Sector for the Accelerated Industrialization Agenda”.

    Also at the event was Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Michael Oquaye, who called on organisations engaged in coconut production to invest into Research and Development to add value to their products.

    He stated that is the surest way of generating more foreign revenue through exportation.

    “I will encourage all the organisations in the sector to do more research and development that can be commercialised and used locally and for export,” he said.

    According to him, GFZA focuses on export-led industrialization and therefore assured “all businesses willing to export more than 70 percent of their products to come to free zones for the monetary and non-monetary incentives.”

    On his part, Deputy Director in Charge of Operations and Finance at GEPA, Mr Samuel Dentu, revealed that the Authority launched the Coconut Revitalisation Programme in 2017 to revamp the then ailing coconut industry and to improve the supply capacity of the value chain.

    He noted that there have been positive results, as the 2021 Non-Traditional Export (NTE) performance showed that coconut raked in $11.44 million, with coconut oil generating $7 million in export revenue.

    “These represented an increase of 132 per cent and 133 per cent, respectively, over the 2020 figures,” he said.

    Mr Samuel Dentu further disclosed that it is the objective of GEPA to earn about $2.8 billion from semi- processed to processed coconut annually by 2030 as the Authority works in line with the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS).

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ghana coconut in high demand in export markets — GEPA

    The Director of Public Relations at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ruth Maafo, has outlined interventions the government of Ghana is currently rolling out to boost coconut production and export in Ghana.

    Speaking to journalists ahead of the 2nd International Coconut Festival, Ruth Maafo, stated that coconut from Ghana is in high demand globally and thus the country’s position as the world’s 9th leading producer can be further enhanced if programmes such as the Coconut Revitalization Programme and Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) are sustained across the country.

    “Every part of the coconut is beneficial. Through the International Coconut Festival Ghana, we are putting the spotlight on Ghanaian businesses in the coconut value chain while helping them to connect with the relevant stakeholders and investors.”

    She said GEPA has since 2017 provided a total of 600,000 disease-tolerant seedlings to coconut farmers to help boost the industry.

    The 3-day event, according to her, is also aimed at encouraging more Ghanaians to venture into the coconut sector to boost production and export.

    The 2022 edition was launched on Friday, August 12 at Alabokazo in the Ellembele District of the Western Region.

    In her address, the CEO of GEPA, Dr. Asabea Asare, assured stakeholders in the coconut industry of GEPA’s commitment to supporting the industry to achieve an expected annual revenue of USD2.8 billion in exports.

    This year’s event will take place from the 20th to the 23rd of September at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

    Other activities include seminar, mentorship for young people and sessions with women in coconut.

    In 2019, GEPA, partnered ACG to hold the first ever International Coconut Festival in Ghana, which brought together exhibitors as well as major players to promote coconut business.

    The government of Ghana added coconut into the National Tree Crop Development Authority (NTCDA), which was established in 2019 and mandated to develop and regulate production, processing, marketing and export of coconut and other selected tree crops.

    According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database for the year 2017, Ghana ranked 14th on the list of the world’s top coconut producers with 383,960 metric tonnes produced in 2017 alone.

    The country’s export of desiccated coconut alone amounted to 21.9 million dollars in 2021 from 6.3 million dollars in 2020 and 3.8 million dollars in 2019, making Ghana 9th in global export of dessicated coconut.

    Source:citinewsroom

  • Cape St. Paul’s destroys over 3000 hectares of coconut trees in Jomoro

    The ‘Cape St. Paul Wilt’ disease has affected and destroyed more than 3000 hectares of coconut trees in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.

    “The disease, which continues to ravage many coconut trees may kill the coconut industry in this Coastal area, deprive communities of livelihoods and increase poverty and social vices if Stakeholders fail to turn attention and address the matter with all urgency”.

    Mr. Dominic Nyanzu, Municipal Agriculture Officer of the Jomoro District told the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of the Regional Joint Review Conference on Agriculture in Takoradi.

    The Review Conference was instituted by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to solicit Regional inputs into the national planning processes on improving Agriculture in the country.

    The Municipal Agriculture Officer said the coconut industry was the mainstay of most people in the District and its collapse wouldn’t help in socio-economic advancement of the Municipality.

    He said the government initiative on the cocoa sector; the cocoa rehabilitation programme could be replicated in the sector.

    Mr. Nyanzu also called for research to bring out the tolerant varieties that could withstand the disease.

    Master Halidu Iddrisu, a coconut farmer from Sekyere-Beposo in the Wassa East District, also confirmed a similar attack on his farm coupled with beetle attack.

    He expressed his frustration,” We really want to do farming but the insects are really disturbing us…we need more extension officers to help us.”

    Source: GNA

    Source: GNA

  • GEPA CEO commends women in coconut farming; pledges government’s support for industry

    The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, has assured members of the Coconut Farmers Association of Ghana (COFAG) of government’s support for the industry as investor interest increases after Ghana hosted the first ever International Coconut Festival in 2019.

    Speaking during the first coconut policy objective review conference in Accra, Dr. Asabea Asare commended the leadership of COFAG for acknowledging the role of women in the business through the constitution of a working committee of Women in Coconut Farming which was inaugurated during the conference.

    She encouraged members of the committee to stay committed to their mandate of representing and advocating for the welfare of female farmers in the coconut business.

    Dr. Asabea Asare, said, GEPA, through its Youth in Export initiative, will train and resource more young people to venture into the coconut value chain to boost cultivation and export.

    President of the Coconut Farmers Association of Ghana, Patrick Ndabiah, appealed to the government to speed up efforts to grant certification to coconut farmers to enable them compete globally.

    He said, the government deserves commendation for the establishment of the National Tree Crops Development Authority (NTCDA) which is mandated to develop and regulate production, processing, marketing and export of coconut.

    The 2020 COFAG policy objective conference focusing on the role of the coconut sector in the national development framework, was held under the theme “Reviving and Sustaining the Coconut Industry in Ghana.”

    Source: Lord Kweku Sekyi, Contributor

  • Coconut farmers in Western, Central sign pact with processing company

    Coconut farmers in Western and Central regions have signed an agreement with GKV Investment, a private coconut processor, for technical support to increase production and supply to feed the company.

    The coconut processing company based in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has also inaugurated “GKV-SNV Hortifresh Coconut Innovation Platform” for Coconut farmers in the two regions to churn out quality yields and boost supply.

    Read: Coconut Federation to take advantage of $15 billion coconut industry

    Mr. Emmanuel Andoh-Mensah, the Acting Director of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Kade office in the Eastern region has said.

    Speaking during the inaugural ceremony of the GKV-SNV Hortifresh Coconut Innovation Platform, he said the company decided to mount the innovation platform to assist farmers with relevant technical support to maximize coconut production for mutual benefit.

    The current yield of the crop for most farmers is pegged between 1000 and 2000 nuts for the West African Tall breed and between 2000 and 3000 nuts for the Hybrid.

    But, Mr Ando-Mensah said, with proper agronomical practices, the West African Tall could yield 5000 plus, while the Hybrid could surge by 8,000 plus nuts.

    He said heaps of researched and documented information on the coconut plant were readily available and encouraged farmers to constantly engage the Centre for support during their farming activities.

    Read: 11 benefits of coconut that you should know

    Mr Kojo Nunoo, the Managing Director of GKV Investment, described coconut oil as premium deemed suitable to meet all health needs, particularly people with diabetes, and encouraged Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of consuming the oil.

    He said to have regular supply of the nuts for production of the “essential oil,” the company together with its partner, SNV-Hortifresh, initiated the project to increase production among 50 selected farmers from 29 towns.

    Under the agreement reached with the parties, participant farmers would become partners in transforming coconut business in their respective communities towards increased productivity and enhanced economic life.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Ghanaians urged to venture into coconut production

    The Eastern Regional Minister has called on Ghanaians to venture into coconut farming to tap into the numerous opportunities presented by the tree crop.

    Eric Kwakye Darfour asked chiefs to support the growing of coconuts by making land available to individuals who would take up the challenge towards increasing the acreage of crop in the country.

    He made the call over the weekend when he declared September 21 as the International Coconut Day after a health walk from Ayimensah to Kitase ahead of the International Coconut Festival to be held in Accra from September 24 to 26.

    $2.8bn revenue estimated for economy from coconut industry

    The Coconut Festival, to be held under the theme: “Promoting Export Diversification through a Robust Ghanaian Coconut Industry”, is being organised by the Africa Coconut Group the Ghana Chapter with support from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Free Zones Authority, and the Hortifresh Fruits and Vegetable West Africa.

    The Regional Minister said: “We want everybody to go into coconut production and that is why we have GEPA and other stakeholders supporting us”.

    He said cocoa is a product that has carried Ghana so far but the benefits that could be derived from coconut was much more as it had multiples of opportunities, noting that it was a tree that grows well everywhere particularly in the tropics.

    Mr Darfour said coconut was a very important tree crop that could give the country a lot of revenue but over the years, citizens have only used it as an ornamental tree, adding that, he personally had about 30 coconut trees, which fetched him more than GHC500 on monthly basis.

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    Apart from the monetary value, he said, research has proven that coconut had a lot minerals packed in them to boost the health of consumers, noting that coconut had become a very important tree crop globally and so venturing into it would be extremely profitable.

    Mr Davis Korboe, the Chairman of the Ghana Chapter of the Africa Coconut Group, said the proliferation of the coconut business was an opportunity for graduates who have been unemployed to take advantage of to change their stories.

    He said it has been made known that coconut could grow effectively everywhere and that there was the need for many more Ghanaians to venture into the production of coconut on a large scale to help rake in a lot foreign exchange through its exports.

    Madam Ruth Maafo, the Acting Director of Public Relations at GEPA, said the Authority has noted the number of opportunities in the coconut value chain.

    She said the Authority was proud to be a partner to the Africa Coconut Group because apart from the health and wealth benefits, people have been using coconut for furniture and all forms of handicrafts, lotions, skin care products among many others.

    Boy,13, drops dead after touching electrified coconut tree at Abirem

    She urged the youth to venture into the new opportunity, adding that, GEPA was excited to diversify the products and services that Ghanaians make and export.

    She said the Authority is willing to provide support for individuals willing to venture into the coconut value chain saying: “We are ready to support anyone who wants to go into the business of coconut”.

    Mr Godwin Delali Ahiafor, the Chairman of the Eastern Regional branch of the Coconut Association of Ghana, said coconut could do well everywhere oil palm, cassava and other crops could grow, hence the need for everybody to take advantage of the opportunity.

    He said after growing the coconut, you would only have to nurture for three years, after which you would begin to harvest and make your money, adding that, he already had 1,700 coconut trees and was hoping to have 3,000 trees planted by next year.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org