Sunyani: The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has pinpointed post-harvest losses as a significant issue plaguing the country's agriculture sector, advocating for the expansion of physical infrastructure to mitigate the problem.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Abdul Razack Baba, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, emphasized that tackling these losses would enhance investor confidence and foster investments within the sector. He illustrated the issue with an instance where cashew apples spoil on farms due to the absence of processing facilities and infrastructure, which hampers the transportation of produce from farm gates.
Addressing a regional forum in Sunyani, Mr. Baba mentioned that GIPA is currently striving to improve infrastructure and establish national policies favorable for business growth. The forum, organized by GIPA under the theme 'Driving local investment, unlocking regional potential: Mapping opportunities and mobilising growth in the Bono Region,' aimed to highlight opportunities and attract both local and foreign investment in the agricultural sector of the region.
Mr. Baba underscored GIPA's focus on joint ventures, actively seeking to promote economic activities with existing businesses, and called for business partnerships. He noted that the Bank of Ghana, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, is working to lower lending rates to provide existing companies with easier access to capital for business expansion.
Additionally, Mr. Baba mentioned GIPA's initiative to connect individuals with land to investors, ensuring that land is registered and utilized effectively. Mr. Joseph Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, pointed out that the region's strategic location, favorable climate, fertile lands, and industrious population create a conducive environment for investment.
Mr. Akwaboa encouraged investors to capitalize on the agricultural potential of the region, particularly in agro-processing of crops like cashew, maize, cassava, yam, plantain, and various fruits, as well as in the flourishing cocoa sector. He highlighted opportunities in food processing, fruit juice production, starch manufacturing, edible oils, animal feed production, rice milling, flour production, and large-scale warehousing.
He further emphasized that adding value to these 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.