Govt to Support Agribusiness with Key Infrastructure, Says Vice President

The Ghanaian Times reports on Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang's commitment to bolstering the nation's agribusiness sector, particularly in tomato production and processing. During a meeting with executives from GB Foods in Barcelona, Spain, the Vice President articulated the government's strategy to enhance local production, add value to agricultural products, create jobs, and integrate Ghanaian farmers into international supply chains. This initiative signals a clear intent to reduce Ghana's dependence on tomato imports and to strengthen the agricultural value chain for sustainable economic growth.

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government will provide the necessary infrastructure to support agribusiness, with particular focus on tomato production and processing.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that the government's focus will be on providing critical infrastructure necessary for the success of such ventures. This includes prioritizing outcomes from engagements like the one with GB Foods, ensuring that the necessary support systems are in place. Furthermore, the importance of strong partnerships between foreign investors like GB Foods and local outgrower farmers was highlighted, aiming for broad participation and equitable benefit-sharing across the entire tomato value chain. This collaborative approach is seen as vital for maximizing the impact of investments and ensuring that local communities benefit directly.

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government is committed to reducing Ghana’s dependence on tomato imports by increasing local production and supporting the export of processed tomato products.

GB Foods, represented by Director of Corporate Affairs for Africa, Teddy Ngu, appealed for increased government support, especially in irrigation development to enable year-round tomato cultivation. The company has secured significant land in the Afram Plains for a project expected to stabilize tomato supply in Ghana, particularly in light of recent export restrictions from neighboring Burkina Faso. From a Ghanaian perspective, this development is crucial for food security and economic resilience. The Vice President's assurance of government backing, coupled with the potential for substantial private investment, presents a promising outlook for the agricultural sector, aligning with national goals of import substitution and export diversification.

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government would prioritise key outcomes from the engagement, particularly the provision of critical infrastructure needed for the successful implementation of the project.