Ghana is intensifying efforts to diversify its export destinations as the government begins talks with Mexico on expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture and agribusiness.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Sampson Ahi said Ghana is committed to strengthening commercial partnerships with Mexico to boost bilateral relations.
Ahi made the comments during a meeting with Mexican Ambassador to Ghana Norma Ang in Accra. The discussions focused on identifying new areas of collaboration and supporting Ghana’s drive to reduce import dependence while expanding value-added exports.
Both sides explored ways to support Ghana’s “feed the industry” initiative. He outlined a plan to divide the country into competitive agricultural zones to allow farmers to specialise in crops best suited to their regions.
He noted that the government intends to establish processing factories in high-yield areas, citing oranges, cashews and mangoes as products with potential to anchor value addition.
He warned that countries that rely heavily on a few export destinations remain exposed to sudden tariff shifts from larger economies. According to the deputy minister, Ghana is therefore widening its search for new markets across Latin America, Asia and Europe, adding that Mexico’s renewed interest makes the engagement timely.
The deputy minister said the 2026 budget puts strong emphasis on oil palm development, an area where Mexico has also signalled interest through its work with the Tree Crop Development Authority. He added that Ghana hopes to deepen the export of cocoa products, including chocolate and cocoa powder, into the Mexican market, even as stakeholders assess how to enter an already competitive space.
The minister also acknowledged structural constraints facing local industry, including the heavy reliance on imported raw materials, which drives up production costs. He noted that addressing shortages, reducing import dependence and creating jobs remain central to Ghana’s industrialisation agenda. The president, he noted, is leading the Accelerated Export Development Programme to increase exports and reduce imports, a pathway he said will “transform Ghana into an export-driven economy”.
Ambassador Ang said Mexico sees significant room for stronger collaboration. She proposed targeting specific sectors for joint work and suggested that regions from both countries, including Ghana’s Western Region, could engage directly to build practical partnerships.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Anibal Gómez Toledo, who is also Director General for Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, said Mexico remains a major agricultural producer and expressed confidence in Ghana’s stability and investment climate. He welcomed news that Ghana plans to open an embassy in Mexico City, saying: “We are growing fast in our relationship” not only politically but economically.
