Six hundred and thirty farmers in the Kintampo South District in the Bono East Region have benefited from the distribution of 50,000 elite hybrid coconut seedlings under President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship programme “Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness” (PIAA) programme.
The initiative is being implemented by the Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG) and funded by the Ghana Exim Bank to accelerate the country’s transition into a global player in the coconut industry.
The programme is targeted to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, create sustainable livelihoods, enhance rural income, expand cultivation, and diversify the country’s export portfolio.
National investment
The Coconut Seedling Distribution Initiative forms part of a broader plan to produce and distribute three million hybrid seedlings across 11 regions, including Bono East.
Some beneficiary farmers busily picking their seedlings
President Mahama’s programme targets an expansion of national coconut cultivation from 90,000 hectares to 150,000 hectares in the medium term.
According to projections, national production is expected to rise from 600,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 720,000 MT annually, while creating more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs along the value chain.
The initiative also aims to increase export revenue by 60 per cent from $11.4 million to $18.1 million annually.
Bono East
At a symbolic ceremony last Monday at Jema, the Kintampo South District capital, hundreds of farmers gathered to receive the improved seedlings.
Wilfred Zuuri (right), Kintampo South District Chief Executive, interacting with some of the farmers
The hybrid variety matures within three to five years, promising faster yields and higher productivity.
The Bono East Region, with a land mass of 23,654 square kilometres, is one of the food baskets of the country.
The region has vast fertile land suitable for agriculture, including the crop. It is, therefore, not surprising that the region was selected to benefit from the presidential initiative.
Little interest
The Kintampo South District Chief Executive (DCE), Wilfred Zuuri, told the Daily Graphic that before the programme, many farmers in the area had little interest in coconut cultivation due to the scarcity and high cost of seedlings.
Enoch Nkpe, a farmer at Jema, picking up his seedlings after the distribution
“Farmers previously had to travel to Goaso or even the Western Region to purchase seedlings at great cost.
“This free distribution under President Mahama’s leadership has brought enormous relief to farmers and revived local enthusiasm for coconut cultivation," Mr Zuuri said.
He added that the initiative would help mitigate climate change, improve soil fertility, and increase rainfall over time.
“We expect Kintampo South to become greener and more productive, supporting other food crops as well,” he stated.
The DCE said he had put in place measures to safeguard farms and investments, such as working closely with traditional leaders and assembly members to control bushfires and herdsmen.
Technical support
The Kintampo South District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Afia Asokua Yeboah, commended the initiative as “transformational” and urged farmers to take advantage of it.
Some beneficiaries loading the seedlings onto a tricycle to be transported to their farms
“The coconut industry is thriving globally. Through this initiative, Ghana can claim its rightful place on the international market,” she said.
Mrs Yeboah said that COCOFEG had supplied farmers with “soli gel”, a soil enhancer that helps seedlings to survive drought conditions.
She said her outfit would continue to monitor, guide, and train farmers on best agronomic practices to ensure sustainability.
Statistics
Statistics from the PIAA show that Ghana is currently the 12th largest coconut producer in the world and the leading producer in Africa.
Globally, the coconut export market was valued at $22.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $38.58 billion by 2030, representing an annual growth rate of 13 per cent.
Coconut water alone accounts for nearly half the market, valued between $5.7 billion and $8.6 billion.
Its meat is worth $5.85 billion, shell nut products about $950 million, and coir fibre an additional $640 million.
Therefore, the presidential initiative is a deliberate and strategic step taken to accelerate coconut growth, to benefit from the sector's huge opportunity and prioritise coconut as a high-value export crop capable of diversifying the country’s economy.
Life changing
A 59-year-old farmer, Enoch Nkpe, described the programme as a “life-changing initiative”.
“I have been farming for over 30 years, but could never access coconut seedlings.
This opportunity will help me to improve my income and secure my family’s future,” he said.
Mr Nkpe added that he received 600 seedlings for cultivation and expressed gratitude to the President for the initiative.
Another farmer, Haruna Abubakari, who received 1,200 seedlings, urged authorities to ensure early distribution in subsequent years to help farmers avoid drought stress.
“Our soil here in Jema is fertile enough to support large-scale coconut farming.
With the right timing, we can triple our yields,” he said.
Mr Abubakari thanked the government for the initiative and called for its sustainability.
Conclusion
If the government’s projections are achieved, Ghana could become a global hub for coconut production and export.
Undoubtedly, the PIAA initiative stands as a bold, data-driven policy that combines environmental sustainability, rural empowerment, and economic diversification.
It's one of the most promising agribusiness ventures which has huge potential to reshape the country’s agricultural economy for generations to come.
Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh
