Poor Infrastructure and Financing Constraints Threaten Ghana’s Tree Crop Industry.
The Tree Crop Development Authority has identified poor road infrastructure and limited access to finance as major barriers slowing the growth of Ghana’s tree crop supply chain.
According to the Authority, these persistent challenges are pushing new entrants in the sector to adopt bold and ambitious strategies to attract investment.
Speaking at the 2025 Supply Chain Business Forum and Exhibition in Accra, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, called for greater private sector support to help scale the industry.
“Currently, about 41% of Ghana’s roads are in poor condition — particularly in tree crop-producing areas,” Dr. Okrah said. “Another major constraint is access to finance.
Many approach us thinking the Authority provides direct funding. While that’s the goal in the long term, our current role is to connect stakeholders to the right financial institutions.
”He also noted that the government is set to roll out a comprehensive policy aimed at transforming the oil palm sector as part of broader economic development efforts.
“If you want to enter the sector, think big,” he advised. “Secure a sizable piece of land and show ambition — that’s what attracts financiers.”
Dr. Okrah stressed that the lack of financing continues to stifle innovation and leaves farmers vulnerable to shocks and price fluctuations.
He urged researchers and industry players to find innovative solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, calling for a shift from “post-harvest loss to post-harvest gain.”
He cited perishable crops like mangoes in some regions, which often go to waste due to inadequate cold storage infrastructure.He also noted that the government is set to roll out a comprehensive policy aimed at transforming the oil palm sector as part of broader economic development efforts.
“If you want to enter the sector, think big,” he advised. “Secure a sizable piece of land and show ambition — that’s what attracts financiers.”
Dr. Okrah stressed that the lack of financing continues to stifle innovation and leaves farmers vulnerable to shocks and price fluctuations.
He urged researchers and industry players to find innovative solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, calling for a shift from “post-harvest loss to post-harvest gain.”
He cited perishable crops like mangoes in some regions, which often go to waste due to inadequate cold storage infrastructure.
Source: Citinews
