The government aims to elevate Ghana’s status in the production and export of coconut to a competitive level in the global market.
The flagship program comes at a time when Ghana is slipping from the number one coconut-producing country in Africa due to underproduction, creating a competitive advantage for development. The government also intends to pivot the economic restoration around key areas of the economy, especially in the agriculture sector.
The Price of Coconut has surged on the global market, making the tree crop attractive with a ready market.
The flagship program has been focused on regions with existing coconut cultivation. The regions are Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Oti, Volta, Western, and Western North. The government’s target in these regions is to boost production with high-yielding and disease-resistant seedlings.
The Coconut Program
The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, launched the coconut seedling initiative with 3 million elite coconut seedlings under Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA). The program is financed by Ghana Exim Bank and jointly implemented by the Coconut Federation-Ghana (COCOFEG) with support from the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE).
The intervention represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s rural economy, job creation, youth and women empowerment, and export diversification.
“This initiative is designed to position coconut as a game-changer in Ghana’s agricultural space. By targeting over 20,000 farmers across 11 regions, we are not just planting trees – we are planting sustainable futures and inclusive prosperity.”
Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of PIAA, Office of the President
The coconut program has two separate projects under it. First is the Coconut Seedling Distribution Initiative (CSDI), which is a flagship program under the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA). Then there is the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD), which is also a module under the Planting for Food and Jobs program. The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) is institutionally mandated to manage the tree crop sector.
Under PIAA, the government’s agenda is to diversify Ghana’s agricultural exports, aligning crops like coconut as a “game-changer” for the economy. Through this, the government will be able to promote job creation, rural empowerment, and improve livelihoods in the farming regions of the country. the initiative will serve as an opportunity for the government to invest in the agriculture sector to enhance productivity and promote accelerated economic growth.
Government’s Due Diligence in the Program
The government did not just launch the program but put timelines in place for regular checkups on the investment. Ghana EXIM Bank, PIAA, and the Coconut Federation-Ghana embarked on an inspection tour of coconut farms across ten key growing regions.
The inspection team visited over 600 farms and reported strong seedling performance and high farmer commitment. Vice-President of the Coconut Federation, Mr Kwaku Boateng, praised the progress and noted the sector’s potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for youth and women.
Farmers expressed appreciation for the free seedlings, with many requesting additional supplies for the next planting season to expand production.
Ghana EXIM Bank has prioritized coconut due to its high value and strong potential for foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and rural economic growth. Global demand and price for coconut and its derivatives continue to surge, with coconut water alone valued at US$5.73 billion, coconut meat at US$5.19 billion, and coir products at US$0.64 billion.
According to Ghana EXIM Bank, International buyers at Fruit Logistica 2025 in Berlin have expressed strong interest in Ghanaian coconut products – including desiccated coconut, fresh nuts, oil, copra cake, and coir – citing the country’s organic cultivation, superior taste, and high oil content.
“Coconut cultivation is now active in 11 regions, involving thousands of farmers, processors, and exporters. The EXIM-funded program aims to support 80,000 farmers, create more than 50,000 indirect and up to 20,000 direct jobs, boost export earnings, and strengthen rural industrialization as Ghana accelerates efforts to meet rising global demand.”
Ghana EXIM Bank
The youth in these pilot regions have been employed under the program. The expansion of the program will further increase rural employment and national revenue.
READ ALSO: Vice President Pledges Greater Dignity and Economic Empowerment for Inmates
