Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Crop Science and a passionate advocate for home gardening, Dr. Frank Ackah, has commended the government’s 2026 budget for its ambitious and well-funded National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development (2026–2032).
Speaking to the High Street Journal, Dr. Ackah described the initiative as “bold and strategic,” highlighting its potential to transform Ghana’s oil palm sector into a driver of industrialization, job creation, and rural prosperity.”
The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in presenting the 2026 budget to Parliament, outlined the government’s plan to cultivate 100,000 hectares of new oil palm plantations, create over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and achieve self-sufficiency in palm oil production while promoting gender inclusion and youth participation.
The policy also introduces a US$500 million dedicated financing window in partnership with the World Bank and the Development Bank Ghana. This fund will provide long-tenor loans, five-year moratoriums, and concessional rates, supporting both large estates and smallholder farmers.
Dr. Ackah pointed out that the budget’s approach closely mirrors the principles he has championed through his Garden For All initiative, which encourages retirees, youth, and women to engage in sustainable food production. “The government’s focus on patient, long-term capital and inclusion of smallholder farmers aligns closely with what we’ve been advocating for years,” he said.
However, Dr. Ackah also urged the government to replicate this model for other crops critical to food security, including cassava and home gardening initiatives. “Oil palm is a great start, but the same level of commitment and funding is needed for staple crops and small-scale farmers if we are to truly transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape,” he emphasized.
For Dr. Ackah, the 2026 budget represents more than numbers; it is a blueprint for industrializing agriculture, empowering communities, and reducing dependence on imports. “With strategic support and grassroots engagement, Ghana’s ‘Red Gold’ has the potential to benefit every household, create sustainable livelihoods, and establish the country as a regional leader in palm oil production,” he noted.
Reflecting on the budget’s potential impact, Dr. Ackah added, “With the right support and strong grassroots engagement, Ghana’s ‘Red Gold’ could touch every household, generate sustainable livelihoods, and position the country as a regional leader in palm oil production,” he told the High Street Journal.
