Seth Kwame Acheampong, Eastern Regional Minister, has issued a compelling call to farmers in the Eastern Region to embrace value addition as a key driver of economic transformation.
This approach, he emphasized, is essential for farmers to remain competitive on the international market.
According to him, adding value to crop produce allows farmers to sell their products at standard market prices.
He said this while addressing Eastern Regional farmers and stakeholders at the third edition of the Eastern Commodity Satellite Market, held on October 3 at the Apenteng Hall in Koforidua.
Speaking under the theme “Enhancing Value Addition and Export Potential through the Eastern Commodity Satellite Market: The Role of Regulatory Bodies,” Hon. Acheampong said, “The market fair, which was launched in 2021, marked the journey of the region to achieve agricultural industrialization by adding value to crops, exporting the majority of our products, and staying competitive on the international market, which subsequently boosted economic growth and created more job opportunities.”
Mr. Acheampong also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting industrialization efforts, both at the national level and specifically in the Eastern Region.
To thrive in the agricultural sector, Mr. Acheampong stressed the importance of unity, as it is a driving force for progress in the region.
Speaking about investment potential,Mr. Acheampong pointed out that the Eastern Region holds significant potential for agricultural investments. Factors such as vast and fertile lands, a diligent workforce, and a favorable environment for agribusinesses to thrive make it an attractive destination.
Discussing the role of regulatory bodies in promoting value addition, he highlighted their contributions, including setting quality standards, facilitating trade, negotiating market access, protecting intellectual property, ensuring safety and compliance, influencing tariff policies, and certifying products to meet standards.
He called on the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to raise awareness among agribusinesses about the importance of adhering to regulatory standards.
Ruby Neils Palme, Coordinator for Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (MAG), emphasized their commitment to advancing and modernizing the agricultural sector.
According to her, the MAG program has provided technical assistance to women farmer organizations, focusing on value addition to increase productivity and provide easy access to technical support.
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