By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has noted that the coconut industry has shown resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, which are crucial for the nation’s development.
“Innovation is the engine that drives growth, and in the coconut industry, we have witnessed significant advancements in value addition,” Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I, Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, stated, during the launch of the 4th edition of the International Coconut Festival in Accra.
The festival is being organised by GEPA in collaboration with the African Coconut Group (ACG), Tree Crop Development Authority and Solidaridad Ghana.
The event will be held under the theme “Empowering Lives Through Coconut Innovation, Employment, and Sustainable Livelihoods.”
Scheduled for October 21-23, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Center, the three-day event will feature various activities, including exhibitions, seminars, conferences, B2B sessions, youth connections with CEOs, and networking opportunities, among others.
Osafohene Asare emphasized that coconuts were not only harvested for consumption but are also processed into a diverse array of products, including oil, water, milk, cosmetics, textiles, and even biofuels.
She said that the Authority was committed to fostering the innovative spirit of the coconut industry by providing platforms for capacity building, research, and technological advancements to ensure that coconut production remained competitive and sustainable.
Osafohene Asare explained that the theme for the festival was selected to highlight the extensive opportunities within the coconut industry for innovation, value addition, job creation, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural communities across Ghana’s coconut-growing regions.
She noted that the festival aimed to establish the significance of the coconut industry for both current and future economic development in Ghana, particularly through value addition and exports.
“Coconut is more than just a crop in Ghana, and it represents a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, innovation and employment for thousands across the country,” she added.
Osafohene Asare said that the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) had long acknowledged the economic potential of coconut cultivation.
She expressed optimism about the progress made, noting that coconut farming and processing had provided jobs for farmers, factory workers, and entrepreneurs.
“As we launch this festival, we are celebrating not only the coconut itself, but also the creative minds and resilient hands that are transforming the industry.
“The global demand for environmentally friendly and sustainably produced goods is growing, and the industry is well positioned to meet this demand,” she said.
Osafohene Asare emphasised the importance of adopting sustainable farming practices to secure the future of the coconut industry.
This would reduce waste and promote eco-friendly production methods to “ensure that the industry not only thrives today, but also for the generations to come.”
“The festival will focus on leveraging new technologies and business models that can create wealth and sustainable jobs, particularly for the youth. Coconut is no longer just a crop, but an entire value chain capable of transforming economies.
“In Ghana, over 350,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the coconut sector, from smallholder farmers to processors and exporters, this industry touches lives in profound ways, providing livelihoods, boosting exports and contributing to the health and well-being of millions,” he said.
The festival will showcase youth-led agribusiness initiatives and spotlight training opportunities and mentorship programs designed to equip the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs with essential skills for success. This focus on empowering young people aims to drive innovation and sustainability within the agricultural sector.
Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, said the region was the backbone of Ghana’s coconut industry, contributing approximately 80 per cent of the nation’s total coconut exports, valued at a minimum of $400 million annually.
He said that the region had established its position by successfully hosting the coconut festival twice in the past, with significant outcomes.
“Our aim is to unleash the potential through innovation, technology and sustainable practices. We are on a journey to boost innovation in coconut production, harvesting, processing and creating employment opportunities and enhancing livelihoods for farming communities in the country,” he said.
Mr. Darko-Mensah emphasized that increasing coconut cultivation could play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
He urged everyone to come together and invest in coconut production, highlighting its potential to provide sustainable livelihoods and contribute to a brighter future for all.
GNA