Onesta Ghana launches Redgold Oil Palm Plantation to revolutionise palm oil industry
Onesta Ghana Ltd, an agro-industrial enterprise, has officially launched the Redgold Palm Oil Plantation Project (ROPP)—a transformative public-private partnership (PPP) aimed at positioning Ghana as a major player in the global palm oil industry.
The ambitious project, launched in Accra, is designed to develop a sustainable and fully integrated oil palm value chain. It will cover over 10,000 hectares in its initial phase, comprising a nucleus estate and a large-scale out-grower scheme. The initiative is expected to significantly boost local production, create jobs, enhance food security, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported palm oil.
Ghana currently faces a production deficit of approximately 150,000 metric tonnes of palm oil annually. Unlike neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, which has become a net exporter of the commodity, Ghana is heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic demand.
Speaking at the launch, Board Chairman of Onesta Ghana Ltd and former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, said the ROPP aims to make palm oil a strategic crop, akin to cocoa, in Ghana’s agribusiness agenda.
“I am very glad this vision is here. For the first 10,000 hectares alone, we estimate a need for $50 million in investment,” he said. Dr Spio-Garbrah noted that Ghana, like Malaysia, has the potential to use oil palm to drive national development and economic transformation.
The event also featured remarks from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and MP for Ayawaso West, John Setor Dumelo, who pledged full government support for the project.
“Investment in the palm oil sector has the potential to provide jobs, improve local economies, and reduce rural poverty,” he said. “We at the Ministry of Agric will give Onesta Ghana the conducive environment and support needed to accomplish this resounding vision.”
Dumelo also disclosed that the Ministry of Finance is in the process of establishing a Real Sector Division to identify and invest in high-impact sectors, including agribusiness and responsible mining.
Maxwell Commey, Executive Director of Onesta Ghana Ltd and CEO of Oro Oil Ghana Ltd, highlighted the integrated nature of the ROPP.
“ROPP will offer end-to-end solutions—from cultivation to processing and refining—delivering quality products while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he said. “This PPP will enhance food security, create employment, and deliver value to stakeholders while upholding environmental and social safety.”
The launch event was attended by a number of high-profile dignitaries, including Dr Ofosu Ampofo, Board Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board; Hon. Naa Koryoo Okunor, MP for Kasoa; Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, Central Regional Minister; Mr. Alhassan Andani, former MD of Stanbic Bank; and the High Commissioner of Malaysia, H.E. Syed Nauzeridid.
Traditional authorities from the Eastern and Western regions, business leaders, bank executives, and diplomatic representatives were also present to lend their support to what many described as a “game-changing initiative” for Ghana’s agricultural sector.