Foster innovation, growth in horticulture sector – Sam Jonah

Mr Sam Jonah (inset) addressing participants in the launch of the horticulture expo 2024. Photo. Ebo Gorman

This year’s Ghana Horticulture Expo was launched on Monday with a call for investment in the horticulture sector by the government and policymakers.

This includes adequate investment in research, infrastructure, and capacity building to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food safety, and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s export.

Launched by the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), the event which would be held on July 9-11, 2024, would be on the theme, ‘Celebrating Ghana’s Horticulture Diversity, Product Quality and Export More.’

It would be organised in partnership with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Fidelity Bank, and GIRSAL, and also sponsored by Feed the Future, United States Agency International Development (USAID), and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

Speaking at the launch of the Expo, the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, otherwise known as Sam Jonah, said the theme of the event underscored the importance of harnessing the country’s natural resources to create a thriving and sustainable horticulture industry.

He explained that the horticulture sector had made significant progress in the enhancement of produce, expansion of markets, and adaptation of sustainable practices.

According to Sir Jonah, that had been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the government, policymakers, and dedicated horticulturists.

That notwithstanding, he emphasised the need for the government, private sector, and development partners to work together and create an enabling environment in order to foster innovation and growth in the horticulture sector

Additionally, Sir Jonah stressed the need to streamline the regulatory process and create a favourable condition for trade and encouraged horticulturists to adopt best practices.

The President of FAGE, Mr Davies Korboe, in his welcome address highlighted inadequate finance, unfavourable conditions including the lack of collaboration among government agencies, and the lack of recognition of the sector’s potential, as some of its challenges.

He indicated that the purpose of the launch was to provide a platform for all relevant stakeholders to deliberate on ways to unlock the potentials of the horticulture sector.

Some of the activities to take place during the three-day event to be held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), he said, were an exhibition of various agricultural products, networking sessions, demonstration of preparing authentic Ghanaian rice, among others.

Mr Korboe further said, “Following the conclusion of the Expo, FAGE will establish short, medium, and long term tangents with tangible deliverables assessing outcomes over procedural activities.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute of Directors and Chairperson at the launch described the Expo as a good initiative and urged Ghanaians to actively participate in it.

There were also solidarity remarks, CEO of the GEPA, Dr Afua Asabea Asare, Nik Van Wees, Chief of Party, Feed the Future, the Agriculture led of GIZ, Sarah Ruffler, and representatives from other development partners.

BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY