Ghana’s horticultural industry is calling for long-term financing to scale up production and meet growing international demand, following a strong showing at the Fruit Logistica 2025 trade fair held in Berlin, Germany.
While Ghanaian exporters impressed global buyers with high-quality fresh produce, industry leaders stress that without sustained investment, the country risks missing out on lucrative export opportunities.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), led a delegation of 15 Ghanaian horticultural export associations to the event. The delegation showcased a variety of fresh produce, including mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, passion fruit, yam, sweet potatoes, fonio, vegetables, chili, freeze-dried fruits, and roasted cashews. The Ghana Pavilion, strategically positioned at Hall 26, Stand H-81, attracted significant interest from international buyers eager to source high-quality agricultural products from West Africa.
Despite the positive reception, key industry stakeholders raised concerns about Ghana’s ability to meet the required export volumes.
Speaking to The High Street Journal, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, President of the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VePEAG) and Vice President of FAGE, lamented production constraints as a major hurdle for exporters.
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“During the expo, several potential buyers expressed interest in sourcing from Ghana, but our ability to meet high-volume demands remains a challenge. Without adequate investment in production infrastructure, we risk losing critical export opportunities,” Dr. Kamassah explained.
A major obstacle to scaling up production, he noted, is the lack of long-term financing for agricultural ventures. Ghanaian exporters currently struggle to access credit facilities that match the extended investment cycles needed for horticulture. Comparatively, neighbouring countries provide structured financial incentives that help their farmers and exporters increase output and meet international standards.
“We need a long-term agriculture finance facility for about 10 years to enable us to produce more for export. Without production, there is no export. Investors are willing to engage in long-term partnerships with exporters, but the means of producing in large quantities to meet demand remains a challenge,” lamented Dr. Kamassah who is also the Managing Director of Agro export firm, Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited.
The call for long-term financing aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Ghana’s fresh produce sector. Industry experts emphasize that targeted investments in irrigation, mechanization, post-harvest handling, and certification processes would improve competitiveness and enable Ghana to meet stringent international quality and safety regulations.
While challenges such as illegal mining, or ‘galamsey,’ affecting agricultural land and water resources were tactfully avoided during the expo, stakeholders acknowledge that environmental sustainability remains a pressing concern. Ensuring that Ghana’s fresh produce is sourced from uncontaminated regions is crucial for maintaining the country’s reputation in global markets.
VePEAG has warned that Ghana stands to lose approximately $50 million in revenue if the European Union (EU) enforced a ban on the export of vegetables and other fresh produce from Ghana due to the continued land devastation and pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities across the country.
In October 2014, the EU imposed a three-year ban on the import of gourds and Asian vegetables, including chillies and aubergines from Ghana, citing concerns over pest infestations that posed risks to the EU’s ecosystem.
Fruit Logistica is renowned for attracting a diverse array of stakeholders from the global fresh produce supply chain, including producers, exporters, importers, logistics service providers, and retailers. The event serves multiple purposes like; Networking Opportunities, ie, connecting with potential buyers and stakeholders. Market Insights, thus offering a glimpse into global trends and demands within the fresh produce market. Showcasing Products; by allowing exporters to present their goods to an international audience and Learning Environment; thus providing workshops and seminars that enhance knowledge and skills in trade practices.
The fair’s emphasis on innovation and sustainable practices makes it a must-attend event for any country looking to compete on the international market.
