The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has identified inadequate infrastructure as a major contributor to post-harvest losses in Ghana’s agriculture sector and called for increased investment in processing and logistics facilities to minimise waste and attract investors.
Mr Abdul Razack Baba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, said reducing post-harvest losses would improve investor confidence and unlock greater investment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He cited the cashew industry as an example, explaining that large quantities of cashew apples often rot on farms because of the absence of processing factories and inadequate transport infrastructure to move produce from farming communities.
Mr Baba made the remarks at a regional investment forum in Sunyani organised by GIPA on the theme: “Driving Local Investment, Unlocking Regional Potential: Mapping Opportunities and Mobilising Growth in the Bono Region.”
The forum sought to showcase investment opportunities in the Bono Region and attract both local and foreign investors, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Mr Baba said GIPA was working with stakeholders to improve infrastructure and promote policy reforms that would create a more favourable environment for businesses to thrive.
He noted that the Authority was encouraging joint ventures and partnerships among businesses to accelerate investment and economic growth.
“Our focus is on supporting existing businesses to expand their operations while linking investors with viable opportunities across the country,” he said.
Mr Baba also indicated that efforts by the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to reduce lending rates would improve access to capital for businesses, enabling them to expand their operations.
He announced that GIPA was registering individuals with available land to facilitate connections between landowners and prospective investors.
Mr Joseph Akwaboa, Bono Regional Minister, said the region possessed significant investment potential because of its favourable climate, fertile agricultural land, peaceful environment and hardworking population.
He said the region also benefited from abundant natural resources, a productive workforce and strong traditional institutions, making it an attractive destination for investment.
Mr Akwaboa urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in agro-processing, particularly in the processing of cashew, maize, cassava, yam, plantain, vegetables, mangoes and cocoa.
He said additional investment opportunities existed in food processing, fruit juice production, starch manufacturing, edible oil production, animal feed processing, rice milling, flour production and large-scale warehousing.
Mr Akwaboa said adding value to agricultural produce through processing would empower farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, create employment and strengthen the economic resilience of local communities.
