In a time when countries are racing to build resilient green economies, Ghana’s Volta Region is emerging as the country’s next industrial growth hub anchored by the revival of Kenaf as a transformative crop for job creation, export earnings, and agricultural sustainability.
This bold initiative follows a high-level mission to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 25 to June 6, 2025, where a delegation comprising Ghanaian private sector players and officials from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) studied Malaysia’s acclaimed Kenaf industry.
The mission led to strategic partnerships aimed at replicating Malaysia’s model in Ghana.
Kenaf: Ghana’s Green Gold
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), often dubbed a “miracle crop,” matures in just 3–4 months and has over 31 industrial applications. These range from car interiors and biodegradable packaging to paper, textiles, building materials, animal feed, and edible oils. A single 1,000-hectare Kenaf plantation can generate up to $200 million annually and create 1,500 direct jobs.
“This is more than agriculture—it is the rebirth of an industry that can transform the economic destiny of our region and the nation,” said George Sika, Project Coordinator for the Kenaf initiative.
Malaysia Partnership Yields Major Milestones
The mission team held discussions with top Malaysian institutions, including the Ministry of Commodities and Plantations and the Kenaf Industry Association of Malaysia. Key outcomes included:
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Technical support: Malaysia pledged full assistance to Ghana in building the Kenaf value chain based on its successful 1,000-hectare model.
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Knowledge exchange: A renowned Malaysian researcher, known for pioneering Kenaf use in the automotive and aviation industries, was named “Kenaf Ambassador to Ghana.”
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Trial cultivation: Kenaf seeds were donated for pilot farming in Ghana.
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Formal agreements: An MoU and NDA were signed to solidify collaboration.
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Next steps: A Malaysian technical team will arrive in Ghana in August 2025 to begin trials and seed multiplication.
Volta Region Leads the Charge
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has already secured more than 5,000 hectares of land across the region for pilot projects and seed trials. A Project Coordinating Unit and a management board are being set up to oversee operations.
Plans are also underway to establish the Volta Kenaf Development Company—a dedicated entity to attract investment and manage the value chain from seed to finished products.
“The land is ready, the structures are forming, and the vision is clear. The Volta Region is not waiting—we are leading,” Sika declared.
Smart Crop Rotation: Kenaf and Rice
To ensure food security is not compromised, Kenaf will be integrated into a smart rotation system with rice. The Volta Region currently contributes 23% of Ghana’s rice output.
“We’re not trading food for foreign exchange—we’re doing both,” said William Dzamefe, Volta Regional Director of Agriculture. “Kenaf is planted right after rice is harvested and removed before the next rice season, ensuring year-round land productivity.”
A National Model for Green Industrial Growth
This initiative is not just regional—it presents a blueprint for national agro-industrial transformation. By focusing on Kenaf, Ghana can reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, expand local processing and manufacturing, and empower rural communities with sustainable incomes.
“We invite investors, innovators, and development partners to join us,” said Sika. “Kenaf is the future—and that future begins in the Volta Region.”
Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie
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