Ghana Will Double Coconut Production –Otokunor

The Government of Ghana has set an ambitious target to double the country’s coconut plantation coverage from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares by the end of 2028, as part of efforts to position Ghana as the largest producer of coconut in Africa and the 12th largest globally.

The announcement was made by Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), during a training and capacity-building programme for coconut farmers held in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region on February 6, 2026.

According to Dr Peter Otokunor, the initiative forms part of the President’s broader agricultural transformation agenda and is anchored on the large-scale distribution of improved coconut seedlings to farmers across the country.

He disclosed that more than three million improved seedlings are being rolled out nationwide, with the intervention so far adding about 31,500 acres of new coconut plantations.

“This initiative has added 31,500 acres of new coconut plantation to the existing 90,000 hectares of coconut farms in Ghana,” he said.

“It is the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama that by the time he completes his term in 2028, Ghana would have doubled its total coconut plantation coverage from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares.”

The training programme, held under the theme: “Presidential Initiative on Coconut Development: Training and Capacity Building for Coconut Farmers,” brought together about 500 coconut farmers and agricultural extension officers from the Ashanti and Western North regions. Participants included beneficiaries of the government’s free improved coconut seedling distribution undertaken last year.

The programme marked the first in a series of capacity-building sessions and was organised through a collaboration involving the Government of Ghana, Ghana EXIM Bank and the Coconut Federation of Ghana.

Speaking on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Municipal Chief Executive of Asokore Mampong, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, underscored the government’s integrated approach to agricultural development. He noted that the Capacity Building Performance Programme demonstrates a deliberate effort to link production, processing, financing and market access within the agricultural value chain.

“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy and a critical driver of employment, income generation and food security.

“Within this sector, the coconut value chain presents immense opportunities not only for farmers but also for processors, exporters and small-scale agribusinesses,” he stated.

He added that unlocking the sector’s full potential requires sustained investment in knowledge, skills and modern farming practices, stressing that the training aligns with the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

Also addressing participants, Project Manager of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, Rahman Taminu, said the initiative is aimed at revitalising the coconut sector and positioning it as a key contributor to food security, job creation, export growth and rural empowerment.

While acknowledging the importance of seedling distribution, he emphasised that the success of the programme depends largely on proper farm management and sustainability to ensure high survival rates and improved yields.

 

“This training workshop has been carefully designed to provide farmers with critical technical guidance on best agronomic practices, including proper planting techniques, spacing, pest and disease management, intercropping opportunities, soil fertility improvement and farm maintenance strategies,” he explained.

On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Deputy Project Manager Isaac Obeng Antwi-Arko reaffirmed the bank’s strong support for the initiative and commended farmers for their commitment.

He described the seedlings as a long-term investment in both individual livelihoods and the future growth of Ghana’s coconut industry.

Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge acquired to improve farm management, boost yields, enhance produce quality and increase incomes.

The training focused on improved agronomic practices, nursery establishment, plantation management, pest and disease control and market-oriented production.

 

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