The Coconut Federation Ghana has led a joint field inspection of farms in the Bono Region, two months after over 40,000 coconut seedlings were distributed to local farmers under the Presidential Initiative on Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA).
The initiative, aimed at boosting local consumption and export of coconuts, brings together the Office of the President, EXIM Bank, and the Coconut Federation Ghana. The seedling distribution is part of a larger plan to cultivate 11 million coconut seedlings across 11 regions, including Bono, to expand Ghana’s coconut sector.
The joint team visited farmers to monitor the performance of the seedlings, address concerns, and provide tailored support.
Vice President of the Coconut Federation, Kwaku Boateng, expressed satisfaction with farmers’ care of the seedlings, highlighting that the initiative will create direct and indirect employment opportunities in coconut-growing communities. He added that the program positions Ghana as a potential global hub for coconut production.
One beneficiary, Joseph Korang, praised the initiative, saying: “I wanted to plant more seedlings, but I could not afford them. The President’s decision to distribute them freely is thoughtful, and I commend President John Dramani Mahama, EXIM Bank, and the Coconut Federation Ghana for this support.” Many farmers requested additional seedlings in the next planting season to expand their farms.
Currently, Ghana ranks 12th globally and first in Africa for coconut production. The initiative seeks to increase cultivated areas from 90,000 to 108,000 hectares and boost annual production from 600,000 to 720,000 metric tons. Coconut cultivation is active in 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions, providing livelihoods for men, women, and youth across the value chain.
In 2021, Ghana exported 41,326,637kg of coconuts valued at USD 11,442,886. By 2022, it became the ninth-largest exporter of desiccated coconut globally, with USD 22 million in exports. In 2023, the total global export value of coconut reached USD 14.19 billion, with coconut water accounting for 46% (USD 5.73 billion), coconut meat 41% (USD 5.19 billion), coconut shell nuts 8% (USD 0.95 billion), and coir 5% (USD 0.64 billion). Brazil dominates the U.S. market, the largest consumer of coconut products.
During the visit, the team inspected over 50 farms across Berekum West, Berekum East, and Jaman South Municipalities, assessing seedling growth and supporting farmers’ efforts to strengthen Ghana’s coconut industry.
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