GIPA seeks investment to tackle post-harvest losses in Agriculture

The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has highlighted post-harvest losses as one of the biggest obstacles to growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector and is advocating increased investment in infrastructure and agro-processing facilities to address the challenge.

Speaking at a regional investment forum in Sunyani, GIPA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Abdul Razack Baba said reducing post-harvest losses would enhance the attractiveness of the agricultural sector and encourage greater investor participation.

He pointed to the cashew industry as a clear example of the problem, noting that large volumes of cashew apples go to waste because of limited processing capacity and inadequate transportation infrastructure to move produce from farms to processing centres and markets.

Mr Baba said GIPA is working to improve the investment climate by supporting infrastructure development and promoting policies that make it easier for businesses to operate and grow.

The forum, themed “Driving Local Investment, Unlocking Regional Potential: Mapping Opportunities and Mobilising Growth in the Bono Region,” was organised to showcase the region’s investment potential and attract both domestic and international investors to its agricultural value chain.

According to Mr Baba, GIPA is encouraging joint ventures and strategic partnerships aimed at helping local businesses expand and increase productivity.

He also welcomed efforts by the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to ease lending conditions for businesses.

“The good news is that the Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is reducing lending rates to enable existing companies to access capital and expand their businesses,” he said.

Mr Baba further disclosed that GIPA is encouraging landowners to formally register their lands so they can be matched with prospective investors seeking opportunities in agriculture and related industries.

“We are looking for individuals who have land to register it so that we can connect them with investors,” he added.

For his part, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Akwaboa described the region as an attractive investment destination due to its fertile soils, favourable weather conditions, peaceful environment and industrious population.

He said the region’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, available arable land and strong traditional leadership structures provide a solid foundation for economic growth and investment.

Mr Akwaboa encouraged investors to explore opportunities in agro-processing, particularly in the processing of cashew, cocoa, maize, cassava, yam, plantain, vegetables and mangoes.

He also identified prospects in food processing, fruit juice production, starch manufacturing, edible oil processing, animal feed production, rice milling, flour production and large-scale storage and warehousing facilities.

According to the Regional Minister, investing in value addition for agricultural products would help minimise post-harvest losses, create employment opportunities, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen local economies while building a more resilient agricultural sector.

Prince Antwi

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