Vice President of Coconut Federation Ghana and Media Relations Officer for the Ghana International Horticulture Expo, Kwaku Boateng, has described Ghana’s horticulture sector as one that is performing incredibly well, urging increased investment to unlock its full potential.

According to him, recent export statistics demonstrate Ghana’s growing strength in the global horticultural market, particularly in the production and export of yam and coconut.

Speaking on Ghana Yensom with Chief Jerry Forson on Accra 100.5FM, Mr Boateng said 2024 statistics showed that Ghana had become one of the leading exporters of yam in Africa and globally. 

He said Ghana exported about 36,000 metric tonnes of yam, representing approximately 26 percent of the global export value, while the country’s overall horticultural production continued to make a significant contribution to the global economy.

Mr Boateng further indicated that Ghana is currently the number one exporter of coconut in Africa and ranks 12th globally.

He said Ghana’s growing contribution to the global horticultural economy was a strong indication of what he described as “sovereignty” for the sector.

“All these indications show a massive positivity in the sector, and it needs massive investment,” he said.

Mr Boateng said the potential of the sector extended beyond primary production, with significant investment opportunities in processing, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure, irrigation, mechanisation, logistics, branding and access to international markets.

He highlighted the importance of the Ghana International Horticulture Expo 2026, scheduled for September 3 to 5, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The Expo is expected to bring together farmers, exporters, investors, processors, policymakers, financial institutions, technology companies and international buyers to explore opportunities within Ghana’s growing horticultural value chain.

Organised by the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Ghana EXIM Bank, the event will be held under the theme, “From Soil to Sovereignty.”

The Expo is being positioned as a strategic platform to connect Ghanaian production with investment, innovation and international markets.

Ghana’s horticulture sector is increasingly being identified as a major frontier for job creation, food security, value addition and export growth, with the country’s Non-Traditional Exports generating approximately US$5.006 billion in 2025 and reaching markets in 152 countries.

The Ghana International Horticulture Expo 2026 is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across the value chain and strengthen Ghana’s position in the global horticultural market.

The Expo will take place from September 3 to 5, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, under the theme: “From Soil to Sovereignty.”