The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is projecting USD 2.8 billion in revenue to be derived to the state by 2021 from coconut cultivation and exportation.
Ghana Export Promotion Authority has picked Coconut as one of the nine crops selected for government’s Planting for Export and Rural development to promote and maximise profit from it.
The Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) Programme is a decentralized National Tree Crop Programme to promote rural economic growth and improve household incomes of rural farmers through the provision of certified improved seedlings, extension services, business support and regulatory mechanisms.
Moreover, The PERD programme is aimed at developing nine (9) commodity value chains namely Cashew, Coffee, Cotton Coconut, Citrus, Oil Palm, Mango, Rubber and Shea through a decentralised system.
Speaking to media ahead of the maiden edition of International Coconut Festival which opens today in Accra, Ruth Maafo, the Acting Director of Public Relations at Ghana Export Promotion Authority, said the Authority has noted the number of opportunities in the coconut value chain.
Also, She said the Authority was proud to be a partner to the Africa Coconut Group because apart from the health and wealth benefits, all forms of handicrafts, lotions, skin care products among many others are produced with coconut.
GEPA PRO added the Authority is willing to provide support for individuals willing to venture into the coconut value chain.
Meanwhile, The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the African Coconut Group is hosting the first international coconut festival to bring industry players closer to the farmers.
ALSO READ: Akufo-Addo launches Planting for Export to boost Foreign Exchange
The International Coconut Festival is themed: “Promoting Export Diversification through a Robust Ghanaian Coconut Industry”.
The event is championed 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.
