USAID re-echoes key challenges impeding fruit export

…as 66 percent of fresh fruit gets rejected annually

By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO

The Acting Missions Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Ghana, Grace Lang, has reiterated some challenges in the fruit sector that hinder the country’s fresh fruit export in the international market.

According to her, the country holds significant potential in the global process fruit market; yet poor post-harvest handling and sanitary issues, among others, affects its fruit exports, causing 66 percent of fruits being rejected annually.

Speaking at the inauguration of a local fruit processing factory, Pure and Just Company Limited, she added that the problem identified with respect to fruits export also “stifles economic growth”.

“Ghana holds substantial potential in the global processed fruit market, but 66 percent of fruits from Ghana are rejected annually due to inadequate post-harvest handling, sanitary issues and other challenges,” she noted.

Focusing the investment in the expansion of the factory, she said the United States Government, through the USAID has injected US$440,480 – over GH¢7m.

The expanded factory, built under the USAID-supported Feed the Future Africa Trade and Investment Activity, is equipped with advanced fruit-drying machines which can process 6 tonnes of fresh fruits per day – an upgrade from the 1 tonne per day.

Commenting on the contributions of the facility to the sector’s growth, she emphasised its role in job creation and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global dried fruits market.

“I am confident that this facility will have a lasting and transforming impact not only by generating jobs and increasing incomes for farmers, but also position Ghana as a player in the global dried fruits market,” she emphasised.

She further emphasised the U.S Government’s unwavering support in creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pure and Just Limited, Yvette Tetteh, applauded the USAID and other supporters, who in various ways, have contributed to their “journey of converting a garage to a house and now to a factory”.

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