Government Launches Coconut Training for Farmers in Ashanti and Western North to Boost Incomes, Targets 90,000 Hectares in Four Years

The Government of Ghana, through the Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness, has launched a comprehensive technical training programme for coconut farmers in the Ashanti and Western North regions, aimed at boosting production, improving farmers’ incomes, and strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Coconut Federation of Ghana and with support from the Ghana Export–Import Bank (Exim Bank), forms part of broader efforts to revive the coconut industry and position it as a key driver of economic growth and agribusiness development.

Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, said the programme aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to significantly scale up coconut production nationwide.

Dr. Otokunor disclosed that the government plans to support farmers to cultivate more than 90,000 hectares of coconut farms within the next four years, a move expected to create employment opportunities, enhance rural livelihoods, and boost export potential.

He explained that the training programme will equip farmers with modern agronomic practices, improved production techniques, and relevant technologies to enhance yield, quality, and sustainability. According to him, building the technical capacity of farmers is critical to ensuring the long-term growth and competitiveness of the coconut value chain.

The Project Manager of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, Mr. Rahaman Tamimu, expressed appreciation to the government and Exim Bank for supporting the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for coconut farmers.

Mr. Tamimu noted that the programme will significantly impact farmers’ livelihoods by addressing longstanding challenges such as low productivity and limited access to technical knowledge. He said the training will empower farmers to adopt improved farming methods that will translate into higher incomes and improved living standards.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Manager for Projects at Ghana Exim Bank, Mr. Isaac Obeng Antwi-Arko, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to promoting agriculture and agribusiness as key pillars of national development.

Mr. Antwi-Arko emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between government institutions, financial bodies, and farmer organizations in driving sustainable growth within the agricultural sector. He assured stakeholders of Exim Bank’s continued support for initiatives that promote value addition, job creation, and economic transformation.

The coconut training programme is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing Ghana’s coconut industry while contributing to food security, income generation, and overall economic growth.