Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has announced its partnership with the African Coconut Group (ACG) and Solidaridad to hold the third edition of the International Coconut Festival in Secondi-Takoradi.
The festival, which is themed: ‘Invest in Ghana’s Coconut Sector for an Inclusive Climate and Social Resilience’, was officially launched in August this year at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA Albert Kassim Diwura expressed the Authority’s commitment to supporting the coconut industry stakeholders in achieving the targeted $2.8 billion in annual export revenue by 2029.
He expressed confidence that the Coconut Festival would advance the coconut agenda and encourage investment in the sector.
“In 2017, GEPA initiated the Coconut Revitalization Programme, aimed at bolstering the supply capacity of the coconut value chain and breathing new life into a previously struggling sector. The thee-day event is also intended to encourage more Ghanaians to venture into the coconut sector and boost production and exports,” he indicated.
The 3rd edition of the International Coconut Festival is a collaborative endeavour involving the African Coconut Group, the Western Regional Coordinating Council, GEPA, SOLIDARIDAD, and the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA).
This year’s festival features a range of activities including seminars, mentorship programmes for young entrepreneurs, farm visits, and dedicated sessions for women involved in the coconut industry.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
GEPA CEO Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, TCDA CEO William Quaittoo, and Western Region Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah also addressed the audience.
In 2019, GEPA partnered with ACG to hold the first-ever International Coconut Festival in Ghana, bringing together exhibitors as well as major players to promote the coconut business.
The government of Ghana added coconut to the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), established in 2019 and mandated to develop and regulate the production, processing, marketing, and export of coconut and other selected tree crops.
The non-traditional export figures for 2022 indicated the coconut sector’s substantial economic contribution.
Notably, earnings from both fresh and processed coconuts reached $6.3 million and $6 million, respectively.
Country Director of Solidaridad Bossman Owusu, on his part, expressed optimism that the coconut festival will be a success.
He outlined the benefits of coconut to human health and indicated the willingness of his outfit in supporting the coconut industry in Ghana.
“Solidaridad recognizes the strategic importance of coconut to enhance farmer livelihood and Ghana’s economy.
“We are happy to be associated with the 3rd International Coconut Festival with the Africa Coconut Group and partners to bring our expertise in supply chains to make the coconut value chain more inclusive and sustainable,” he indicated.
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