The CEO of Agri-Impact Group, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has called on the Ghanaian government to create a dedicated Agribusiness Fund aimed at building homegrown agro-processing giants and reversing the country’s staggering annual post-harvest losses, estimated at $2 billion.
Speaking on the need for systemic reform, Acquaye advocated for blended financing, specialized credit facilities, and supportive policies to empower large-scale indigenous agribusinesses. He underscored the critical role of local agro-processors in creating jobs, promoting industrialization, and expanding Ghana’s global trade presence. “These champions won’t emerge by chance; they must be intentionally built with a global vision,” he remarked.
According to Acquaye, agribusiness should be treated with the same strategic priority as education, given its role in absorbing skilled labor and fostering entrepreneurship. He criticized the current lack of targeted financing for large-scale local processors and urged the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to adopt a holistic strategy that includes export incentives, smart policies, and public-private partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
The proposal complements the vision of former President John Mahama, who has consistently championed agribusiness as a core pillar of Ghana’s export-oriented industrial economy. Mahama’s initiatives, such as the Feed the Industries Program, 24-Hour Economy Policy, and Rapid Industrialization Initiative, aim to ensure consistent raw material supply, enhance processing capacity, and formalize farmer engagement. Supporting actions include new irrigation systems, import duty waivers on agro-processing machinery, and retooling efforts through the GRATIS Foundation.
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agribusiness, stating, “We must move beyond traditional approaches with inclusive, forward-looking policies.” She emphasized the importance of financial access, value addition, and integrating agri-tech innovations to transform the sector.
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