Paragraph 1: The Urgent Need for a Robust Export Policy Framework in Ghana
The Ghanaian export sector, particularly the agribusiness industry, faces significant challenges that hinder its growth and competitiveness in the global market. Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), has emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive and robust policy framework to address these challenges and provide much-needed support to exporters. Korboe argues that the current support mechanisms, while helpful, are insufficient to mitigate the economic shocks that exporters regularly encounter. He advocates for a "special purpose vehicle" dedicated to supporting export businesses, especially those operating within the agribusiness value chain, to absorb these shocks and foster sustained growth.
Paragraph 2: Inadequate Financial Support and Currency Volatility Hamper Exporters
Korboe highlighted the inadequacy of existing financial interventions, including those provided by institutions like EXIM Bank and GIRSAL, in effectively addressing the financial needs of exporters. He called for more proactive engagement from financial institutions to develop tailored solutions that cater to the specific challenges faced by exporters. Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the volatility of the Ghanaian cedi, particularly its depreciation against major trading currencies. While acknowledging the importance of currency stability, Korboe cautioned against abrupt measures to control the cedi’s value, as such actions can have adverse effects on exporters’ profitability and competitiveness. He suggested a more gradual approach that allows for some depreciation while minimizing its negative impact on export businesses.
Paragraph 3: The Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025: A Platform for Growth and Innovation
In the backdrop of these challenges and calls for reform, the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 is poised to serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders in the agribusiness sector to explore opportunities and chart a path forward. Scheduled for June 11-13 at the Accra International Conference Centre, the expo, themed "Innovate, transform, sustain: driving growth in Ghana’s horticultural sector," aims to showcase the immense potential of the horticultural sector to drive economic growth, generate employment, and attract investment. The event will bring together a diverse range of participants, including producers, exporters, investors, researchers, and policymakers, fostering collaborations and knowledge sharing to enhance the sector’s competitiveness.
Paragraph 4: Key Themes and Objectives of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025
The Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 will address several key themes crucial for the sustainable development of the horticultural sector. These include promoting innovation and technology adoption to improve productivity and efficiency, transforming production practices to meet international standards and consumer demands, and ensuring the sustainability of horticultural operations by adopting environmentally friendly practices and resource management strategies. The expo will also focus on strategies to enhance market access for horticultural products, both domestically and internationally, and explore ways to strengthen regional trade integration within West Africa.
Paragraph 5: Focus on Inclusivity and Climate Resilience
The expo will emphasize inclusive participation within the horticultural sector, particularly by empowering women and youth-led agribusinesses. Recognizing the vital role of these groups in agricultural development, the event will provide a platform to showcase their contributions, address their specific challenges, and create opportunities for their greater involvement in the horticultural value chain. Furthermore, the expo will address the growing concerns about climate change and its impact on agriculture. Discussions will focus on building climate resilience within the horticultural sector, exploring adaptation strategies, and promoting sustainable practices that mitigate the effects of climate change on production.
Paragraph 6: Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
The Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025 is expected to generate several positive outcomes, including increased investment in the horticultural sector, the adoption of innovative technologies and practices, enhanced market access for Ghanaian horticultural products, and strengthened regional trade partnerships. By bringing together key stakeholders and facilitating dialogue, the expo aims to create a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the horticultural sector, contributing to Ghana’s overall economic growth and job creation objectives. The event is also anticipated to raise awareness about the importance of horticulture in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and empowering marginalized groups within the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the discussions and collaborations fostered at the expo will contribute to the development of policies and strategies that address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities within the horticultural sector, ultimately driving its transformation into a more competitive and resilient industry.
