FAGE, partners open 3-day expo to turn Ghana’s horticulture into an engine of economic growth

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), in partnership with public and private stakeholders, has opened the second edition of the Ghana Horticultural Expo aimed at driving innovation and growth in the country’s export-oriented horticultural industry.

The three-day event, which began on Wednesday, June 11, at the Accra International Conference Centre, brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and researchers to showcase new technologies, forge partnerships and explore opportunities to position Ghana as a leading hub for high-value horticultural exports.

At the centre of the expo’s opening was a renewed national call to turn horticulture into a strategic engine for economic transformation, tackling long-standing sector challenges such as low productivity, poor infrastructure, and high post-harvest losses.

Addressing participants, FAGE President Davies Narh Korboe said the theme, “Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana’s Horticulture Sector”, is a call to move “beyond potential and into purposeful action.”

He stressed that the expo represents a turning point in how Ghana approaches agriculture.

“We are not just here to sell fruit or vegetables. We are here to build futures. This is not a fantasy—it’s within reach if we are bold enough to commit policy, energy, and technology,” Mr. Korboe stated.

He urged the sector embrace the John Mahama-led government’s 24-hour economy policy into agribusiness, where round-the-clock production, processing and logistics could make Ghana globally competitive and increase job quality.

Chairperson of the Expo and Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks Limited, Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, also called for equity reform in the private sector to facilitate stronger investment in agriculture and agro-processing.

He cited the example of other countries where local ownership laws have propelled growth and urged Parliament to support similar frameworks in Ghana.

“One of the major issues is that Ghana has only about 50% equity in sectors like oil and gas. You cannot move on like that,” Dr. Kludjeson stressed, adding, “We must restore equity to our farmers and position agriculture not as a last resort but as a first choice.”

He also encouraged the establishment of homegrown grocery franchises and smart agriculture systems to meet both domestic and export market needs.

President John Dramani Mahama, who officially opened the Expo, pledged full government support and unveiled key components of his administration’s upcoming “Feed Ghana” programme, which will operationalize a 24-hour agri-economy and invest in agribusiness zones, cold chains and youth-driven innovation.

“Horticulture is not an afterthought. It is central to our vision of national economic transformation. We must move from smallholder survival to value addition, international competitiveness and youth-driven enterprise,” President Mahama said.

He further announced that from July 1, the 24-hour economy policy will begin implementation, with Takoradi and Tema Ports expected to run uninterrupted operations for fresh produce exporters.

The Ghana Horticultural Expo 2025 runs until Friday, June 13 with organisers hoping it will lay the foundation for Ghana to triple its non-traditional exports to $10 billion by 2030 as envisioned by the government.