Ghana to reduce palm import by $200 million with new China alliance

Ghana is accelerating its agricultural transformation, inviting Chinese investors to support joint ventures across the sector.
The Integrated Oil Palm Development Programme aims to develop 100,000 hectares and create 250,000 jobs.
Government initiatives include seed distribution, irrigation expansion, and support for mechanisation.
With access to the 400 million-strong ECOWAS market, Ghana is positioning itself as a regional hub for agriculture and industry.

Speaking at the Chinese Lunar New Year Gala 2026 in Accra, Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku said farming has become central to President John Dramani Mahama’s economic reset agenda.

He noted that the 2026 budget positions agriculture as a catalyst for industrialisation, export expansion, job creation, and foreign exchange stability.

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As part of the push, the government is distributing 31,000 metric tonnes of rice seed, 4,388 metric tonnes of maize seed, 2,791 metric tonnes of soybean seed, and 272,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser this year.

Authorities are also expanding irrigation infrastructure and constructing dams in northern regions to reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.

Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture Eric Opoku unveils plans to partner with Chinese investors, aiming to cut $200 million in palm oil imports and drive West Africa’s agro-industrial growth. [Stock Photo via Getty Images]

Opoku highlighted significant openings for companies from China, particularly in irrigation systems, mechanisation, agro-processing, and machinery assembly.

“We are not seeking aid. We are building joint ventures,” he said, urging investors to shift “from trade to production”.

At the centre of the strategy is the Integrated Oil Palm Development Programme, scheduled for 2026 to 2032. The initiative aims to develop 100,000 hectares of plantations, create 250,000 jobs, and sharply reduce palm oil imports.

With structured land banks already on offer, Ghana is positioning itself as a regional hub for agriculture and manufacturing, leveraging access to the more than 400 million-strong ECOWAS market to attract long-term investment.

Source: Business Insider Africa