The government has set an ambitious goal to increase annual coconut export earnings from $11.4 million to $18.1 million, which represents nearly a 60% increase. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, stated that this strategy aims to strengthen Ghana’s position as the leading coconut exporter in Africa while enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.
This announcement follows the launch of a nationwide farmer registration drive as part of the government’s Three Million Coconut Seedlings Program. Dr. Otokunor explained, “The distribution of three million elite coconut seedlings, for which we are opening registration today, is designed to significantly accelerate progress and expand cultivation by 20,000 hectares.”
The expected outcomes of this initiative are bold and transformational. They include expanding the cultivated area from 90,000 hectares to 110,000 hectares, and eventually to 150,000 hectares in the medium term. Most importantly, this initiative is projected to increase export revenue by 60%, raising it from $11.4 million to over $18.1 million annually.
To simplify the process, farmers, cooperatives, and young agri-preneurs can now register for the seedlings via the official portal: www.piaa.gov.gh. Registration closes on September 30, 2025.
As part of efforts to position Africa as a global hub for the coconut industry, Dr. Otokunor revealed that the Presidential Initiatives Directorate is supporting the Coconut Federation of Ghana in establishing the African Coconut Board (AFRICOBOD), which will be headquartered in Ghana. AFRICOBOD will unite coconut-producing countries across the continent to drive growth and development in the sub-sector
Source: Daniel Oduro-Mensah
