As Ghana moves to cut its staggering $2 billion palm oil import bill, the CEO of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Morrison, says the success of the government’s plan will depend not only on expanding cultivation but also on innovation, research, and a clear market strategy.
Official data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s 2025 report show that the country produces only 50,000 metric tons of palm oil annually, yet consumes five times that amount about 250,000 metric tons.
The difference is provided by imports, contributing to an import bill estimated at US$2 billion each year.
To change the narrative, the government has announced a comprehensive strategy to help boost local production and curb the huge import bill.
Speaking on the plan of the government Chief Executive Officer of the Agribusiness Chamber in Ghana, Anthony Morrison stressed that Ghana must learn from the experiences of global palm oil leaders like Malaysia, which, despite being a top producer, faces major environmental and sustainability challenges.
He believes the plan is likely to hit rocks if the government is not able to clearly define what it want, how it wants and when it wants them.
This, he says, thorough research, market dynamics, and innovation are very critical to achieving this target. This will help to set clear goals and timelines for the country’s palm oil sector.
“We also need to be looking at what are the various innovations we can bring on board. We need to look at the researchers we need to look at the dynamic because, for instance when you go to Malaysia, Malaysia has huge challenges with the palm production as a result of environmental issues and challenges in other areas,” Anthony Morrison recounted.
He continued that, “Palm in itself is also a huge industrial commodity at the same time a domestic commodity, so we need to balance the two. What for us our technical advantage? Are we looking at the export markets? Are we looking at the industries, and are we also looking at feeding the domestic markets?”
The CEO of the Chamber is of the view that palm is more than just a cooking ingredient for local favourites like gɔbɛ and soup. He says it is a vital industrial commodity with uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aviation, and manufacturing.
“Even some lipsticks and aviation lubricants come from palm. A lot of people do not know that,” Morrison said, pointing to the vast potential for local value addition.
For him, the government’s ambition to cultivate 50,000 hectares of palm under a new national policy will need to be matched with Targeted research to identify high-yield, disease-resistant varieties suited to Ghana’s climate.
He adds that Technological innovations in processing will also improve efficiency and product quality.
He further indicated Market mapping is also key to ensure the right balance between domestic consumption and export potential.
Anthony Morrison further pushed that Sustainability frameworks avoid the environmental pitfalls that have plagued other producers.
Anthony Morrison emphasised that palm’s role in West Africa is deeply cultural as well as economic, and tapping into that identity could drive both production and consumption locally. However without strategic planning, he warned, Ghana risks missing the full benefits of its palm oil revolution.
