Developments at the Ghana Dried Fruits Project Launch

03-05-2024

Developments at the Ghana Dried Fruits Project Launch

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the recent Ghana Dried Fruits Project Launch, organized by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI). Our staff members, Barnabas K. Apom, Tracy Abbey Mensah, and Benjamin Eyram Agamah, were in attendance at this groundbreaking event held on April 30th, 2024 at The Erata Hotel in Accra.

The CBI's Ghana Dried Fruits project is set to transform the landscape of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the dried fruit sector. By facilitating joint export shipments, this initiative aims to empower selected SMEs, fostering growth in exports and creating job opportunities for the Ghanaian youth. Through this project, Ghanaian SMEs will enhance productivity, meet quality and sustainability standards, obtain essential certifications, connect with European buyers, and refine their marketing and sales strategies.

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout of stakeholders from the horticulture sector as well as representation from the Netherlands embassy, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Horticulture Business Platform (HBP) and more. Their insightful contributions shed light on critical areas such as skills gaps, technological adoption, certification challenges, and market competitiveness. Challenges such as limited access to modern technologies and certification barriers were also acknowledged as impediments to international market penetration. Participants highlighted Ghana’s abundant arable land as a strategic asset for expanding fruit production to curb the situation of limited access to affordable raw materials which directly affects production. Suggestions included embracing modern technologies, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer through partnerships with CBI's extensive network, positioning collaboration as a catalyst for industry advancement.

Amidst these discussions, several Ghanaian establishments took the opportunity to exhibit their dried fruit products, demonstrating the immense potential of the local industry. Furthermore, the Horticulture Business Platform capitalized on the moment to announce its forthcoming mini fruit and vegetable fair scheduled for May 22nd, 2024, extending a warm invitation to all attendees

The CBI project emerges as a game-changer for the industry, promising to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and propel Ghana's dried fruit sector onto the global stage. We extend our best wishes to all involved, as we embark on this transformative journey together.

 

GNBCC | News