President John Dramani Mahama has officially opened the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, outlining a bold vision to transform the nation’s agricultural sector through innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

Speaking at the Accra International Conference Center on the first day of the three-day event, President Mahama described horticulture as central to Ghana’s economic reconstruction and called for a shift from subsistence to value-added, export-ready agriculture.

“This Expo is not just a celebration of horticulture, but a declaration that Ghana is ready to grow, export, and lead Africa’s agricultural transformation,” he said.

Commending the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) for organizing the event, President Mahama emphasized the need for partnerships that go beyond aid. “To our development partners, I say invest with us in infrastructure, agri-tech, and skills—not as donors, but as partners,” he urged.

President Mahama outlined his government’s “Feed Ghana” program (2025–2028) as a key pillar of agricultural transformation. The initiative includes:

The Vegetable Development Project (“Eridu”) to scale greenhouse cultivation;

Smart Agriculture and Farmer Support Centers to deliver mechanization, irrigation, and digital extension services;

Agri-Industrial Zones and Cold Chain Infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and boost exports;

Agribusiness Youth Clinics to equip young people with skills, capital, and mentorship.

“These interventions are not promises—they are policy realities designed to make Ghana’s horticulture investment-ready, inclusive, and globally competitive,” President Mahama stated.

A major highlight of his address was the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025. The initiative will provide the framework for continuous production, processing, and logistics, with Tema and Takoradi ports to be declared 24-hour operational hubs. This, he said, would help reduce spoilage of perishable goods and enhance international trade efficiency.

“Let us move from conferences to cold chains, from words to warehouses, and from policies to productivity,” he charged stakeholders.

He called on financial institutions to take bold steps in de-risking the sector and supporting agribusiness startups with real capital. In particular, he urged the Ghana ExIm Bank to serve as a catalyst for export sector growth.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s growing strength in yam, tropical fruit, and vegetable exports. In 2024, non-traditional exports exceeded $3.5 billion, with horticulture at the forefront. He set a new national target to surpass $10 billion by 2030.

“We must shift from aid to trade, and from dependence to dominance,” he said, referencing the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Expo, which runs from June 11 to 13, 2025, brings together government officials, exporters, agribusiness leaders, and development partners. It features expert presentations, exhibitions, and networking sessions aimed at driving sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.

President Mahama concluded with a powerful call to action:
“Seek ye first the productive economy. Let us grow Ghana—one fruit, one field, one future at a time.”