Ghana’s ambition to reclaim its position in the European Union (EU) honey market has intensified as industry stakeholders call for stronger quality controls, improved certification systems and better traceability across the apiculture value chain.
The push comes as Ghana seeks to address regulatory concerns that led to the suspension of its honey exports to the EU, a setback that has limited opportunities for local producers hoping to access one of the world’s most lucrative honey markets.
At the Ghana Forum for Beekeeping and Biodiversity Initiatives (GhaFBBI-2026), government representatives, researchers, development partners and industry players gathered to discuss strategies aimed at transforming Ghana’s honey sector into a globally competitive industry.
Stakeholders believe that meeting international production standards will be critical to restoring buyer confidence, attracting premium prices and creating new income opportunities for thousands of beekeepers across the country.
Quality Standards Identified as Gateway to Export Success
Board Chair of the West Africa Centre for Agribusiness and Apiculture Development (WACCAD), Rev. Prof. Peter Kofi Kwapong, stressed that consistent production of high-quality honey remains the foundation for Ghana’s success in international markets.
According to him, countries and companies searching for premium honey products are willing to pay more when producers can guarantee quality, safety and reliability.
He explained that meeting recognised production standards was critical to building confidence among buyers.
“You have a standard for production of your honey. The people who need honey come and chase you for it. And you can charge them any amount and they will pay. And that’s where you create wealth.”
Rev. Prof. Peter Kofi Kwapong
Rev. Prof. Kwapong, who is also a honey producer, said Ghanaian producers must embrace similar approaches by ensuring their honey meets international expectations.
He noted that maintaining quality standards has already helped him attract customers from different parts of the country, demonstrating the economic potential of premium honey production. “That’s what we want Ghana to be. Let’s do our honey in a standard form,” he added.
EU Market Suspension Sparks Renewed Industry Action
Ghana’s return to the European market has become a major priority following concerns raised by EU authorities over the country’s honey export compliance systems.
Minister Counsellor for Trade and Intellectual Property in Africa at the Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Gregor Schneider, explained that Ghana’s honey was removed from the EU import list because of concerns related to residue management.
He said discussions are ongoing between Ghanaian authorities and European partners to resolve the outstanding issues and restore export access.
“The honey from Ghana was delisted and could not be imported any more into the European Union because there are certain issues about the residues management plan. We are trying to work together with the Ghanaian authorities to fix the situation and to be able to export again Ghana honey to the European Union.”
Gregor Schneider
The development has pushed stakeholders to focus on strengthening regulatory systems, improving production monitoring and ensuring that Ghanaian honey complies with global food safety requirements.
Certification and Traceability Take Centre Stage
Lead Consultant at WACCAD, Dr Courage Komla Besah-Adanu, said Ghana has significant potential to compete in premium international markets but must complete important technical and regulatory processes.
He noted that strengthening industry systems, improving certification and ensuring proper compliance will determine whether Ghanaian honey producers can successfully penetrate global markets.
“Ghana has been ready all these years, just as everyone aspires to enter into premium markets such as the European Union markets, except that some of our activities that we have to do to make sure that we are fully ready, we’ve lagged behind a bit.”
Dr Courage Komla Besah-Adanu
Dr Besah-Adanu added that ongoing efforts are aimed at addressing these gaps and preparing Ghana’s honey industry for stronger participation in international trade.
The introduction of the HiveHoney Certification Mark during the 2026 GhaFBBI event is expected to support efforts to improve product credibility and provide consumers with assurance about the quality and origin of Ghanaian honey.
Honey Sector Seen as Driver of Jobs and Economic Growth
Beyond export earnings, stakeholders believe a stronger honey industry could contribute significantly to rural development, employment creation and environmental sustainability.
The apiculture sector supports thousands of beekeepers, many of whom rely on honey production as an important source of income. Improved access to premium markets could increase earnings for producers and encourage more investment into beekeeping activities.
Stakeholders also highlighted the connection between beekeeping and biodiversity conservation, noting that protecting bee populations is essential for maintaining ecosystems and supporting agricultural productivity.
Industry leaders are calling for stronger collaboration between government institutions, researchers, producers and development partners to ensure Ghana’s honey industry achieves international competitiveness.
As Ghana works toward regaining access to the European Union market, stakeholders believe that quality improvement, certification and traceability will determine whether the country can transform its honey sector into a major export success story.
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