Ghana and Thailand are exploring closer agricultural cooperation, including potential Thai investments in Ghana’s palm oil industry, as both countries seek to strengthen food security, agribusiness development and trade ties.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, and a Thai delegation led by Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle Eastern and African Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A key focus of the talks was interest from Thai investors in developing palm oil plantations and processing facilities in Ghana, a move that could help expand production capacity and support growing demand in the sector.
Dumelo said the government remains committed to creating a favourable environment for agricultural investment and pledged the ministry’s support in facilitating access to land for viable projects.
He cited Ghana’s agricultural potential and identified the Oti, Ashanti and Ahafo regions as areas well-suited for palm cultivation because of their favourable climatic and land conditions.
The deputy minister also encouraged partnerships with local farmers and investments that promote value addition, employment creation and productivity gains across the palm oil value chain. He outlined available incentives for investors, including possible tax concessions on imported agricultural machinery and support through relevant state agencies.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts by Ghana to attract foreign investment into agriculture, a sector the government has identified as critical to economic transformation, food security and export growth.
Discussions also covered sustainable agricultural development, agribusiness investment opportunities and potential public-private partnerships aimed at improving productivity and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Both sides expressed confidence in the prospects for deeper cooperation and agreed to continue engagements aimed at advancing agricultural development, trade and investment between the two countries.
The Thai delegation is visiting Ghana from June 13 to June 19 and includes Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Thailand’s ambassador to Nigeria who is concurrently accredited to Ghana, officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja, executives from Thai businesses and financial institutions, and members of Thai Community Ghana LBG.
The visit underscores growing interest among Asian investors in Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in areas where expanding processing capacity and commercial farming could help increase domestic production and create export opportunities.
