The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has called for the expansion of physical infrastructure to address post-harvest losses in the nation's agriculture sector. The authority's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdul Razack Baba, made the call at a regional forum in Sunyani.
GIPA Identifies Post-Harvest Losses as Major Challenge
The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has identified post-harvest losses of crops as a major challenge in the nation's agriculture sector. Mr Baba said addressing the post-harvest losses would boost investor confidence and spur investments in the sector.
He cited an example where cashew apples rot in the farms because of lack of processing factories and infrastructure challenges, making it difficult to bring the fruits from the farm gates. The GIPA is presently working to improve infrastructure, and ensure that clear national policies that were favourable for businesses to thrive.
Bono Region Offers Investment Opportunities
The Bono Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Akwaboa, noted that the region occupied a strategic position with favourable climate, fertile agricultural lands, peaceful environment, and industrious people good for investment. He said that beyond those advantages, the region had a unique combination of available land, abundant natural resources, a productive workforce, and strong traditional institutions.
Mr Akwaboa urged investors to take advantage of the region's agriculture potential and invest in agro-processing of cashew, maize, cassava, yam, plantain, vegetables and fruits like mango and its flourishing cocoa sector. He said opportunities existed in food processing, fruit juice production, starch manufacturing, edible oils, animal feed production, rice milling, flour production, and large-scale warehousing.
GIPA Seeks Partnerships and Infrastructure Development
GIPA is presently working on joint ventures and looking for existing businesses to promote their economic activities. Mr Baba stressed that the authority was interested in partnerships between businesses and individuals with land to register their lands and link them up to investors. He also stated that the Bank of Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance is reducing the lending rates for existing companies to have access to capital and to expand their businesses.
Mr Baba said: "Now the GIPA is looking for individuals who have land for them to register their lands and link them up to investors". This move is expected to boost investor confidence and spur investments in the sector, ultimately reducing post-harvest losses and creating job opportunities.
Regional Development Depends on Investment
Adding value and transforming the region's resources would not only empower farmers and build a resilient economy, but also reduce post-harvest losses, create job opportunities, and strengthen the economic base of local communities. The GIPA's efforts to improve infrastructure and promote partnerships are expected to drive local and foreign investment in the region's agriculture sector.
As the Ghanaian government continues to promote the agriculture sector, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield the desired results. The Bono Region's unique combination of available land, abundant natural resources, and a productive workforce makes it an attractive destination for investors. With the right investment and infrastructure development, the region's agriculture sector has the potential to thrive and contribute significantly to the country's economic growth.
Source: Joy Online
