Ghana’s tree crop sector is set for a fresh push after the government announced a $6 million allocation to support plantations and strengthen the country’s oil palm value chain.
The announcement was made by Dr Paul Amaning, National President of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, who described the intervention as a significant breakthrough for palm fruit farmers and oil production companies seeking to expand output and improve industrial capacity.
Dr Amaning, who is currently touring the Eastern Region, said the exercise is focused on helping farmers and processors complete registration under the association, which has now become the key route for accessing the new support package.
According to him, the government is working closely with the association to position oil palm as a strategic crop for national development while protecting existing plantations from external threats.
“The government, in collaboration with the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, is taking a firm stand against galamsey.” - Dr Paul Amaning.
He added that Parliament has approved measures to prevent the unlawful clearing of palm plantations and to tackle the illegal importation and exportation of palm fruit and oils.
Registration Key to Accessing Support
Officials say the intervention is being structured around organised farmer groups rather than individual beneficiaries, in a move designed to improve coordination and accountability.
Yaw Agyei Agyapong, who oversees palm plantations under the authority, said the framework will only benefit those operating within recognised associations.
“This initiative is designed for associations, not individuals. If you aren’t registered within a group, you cannot benefit.” - Yaw Agyei Agyapong.
Authorities also used the occasion to caution farmers against leasing plantation lands for illegal mining activities.
Mr Agyapong warned that landowners who allow galamsey operations on their farms could face prosecution under the new legal regime.
The latest measures signal a more coordinated government effort to revive the oil palm industry while protecting agricultural land and improving the long-term sustainability of the tree crop sector.
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