Ghana's horticultural sector has the potential to drive economic growth, says the president of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davies Narh Korboe."Horticulture is not just about growing fruits and vegetables; it is a game-changer in our quest to empower rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilient com­munities and we must support it with the needed infrastructure, innovation and policy commit­ment to grow the sector," he appealed.Mr Korboe made the call for the government to support the industry to thrive in a statement copied to The Ghanaian Times yesterday, to announce this year's Ghana Horticulture Expo sched­uled for June 11 to 13, 2025.On the theme: 'Innovate, Transform, Sustain: Driving Growth in Ghana's Horticultural Sector,' the expo is expected to bring together local and inter­national stakeholders to discuss how innovation, sustainability, and investment can transform Ghana's horticultural sector into a key driver of national develop­ment.Spanning fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs, among oth­ers, the summit is expected to position Ghana's horticultural sector as a vibrant one that drives economic development, food se­curity, and export diversification."Ghana's horticultural sector is more than a source of fruits and vegetables, it is a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience."As the nation leans into the 24-hour economy vision, hor­ticulture stands ready to deliver prosperity around the clock, not only enhancing livelihoods but playing a central role in achiev­ing the government's vision of a 24-hour economy," Mr Korboe emphasised.The vice president of Coconut Federation-Ghana, Mr Kwaku Boateng, said while agriculture accounted for about 20 per cent of Ghana's GDP, horticulture made up an increasing share due to strong global and domestic demand."According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the non-traditional exports sector driven largely by horticulture, generated USD 3.8 billion in 2023, with key crops like man­goes, pineapples, coconuts, and chili peppers contributing significantly.More importantly, horticulture is a key job creator.

The Min­istry of Food and Agriculture estimates that over 1.5 million Ghanaians are directly employed in horticultural value chains, with women comprising more than 52 per cent of the workforce from smallholder farmers to packhouse workers, the sector empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth," he elaborated.Mr Boateng also indicated that the horticulture sector offered immense opportunities under the government's 24-hour econ­omy and sector players must be empowered and supported to take advantage of the policy."With modern packhouses, cold chain logistics, irrigation systems, and agro-processing facilities operating in shifts, hor­ticulture is perfectly suited to function beyond daylight hours.Beyond economic metrics, the real story of Ghana's horti­cultural success lies in its ability to empower people," he added.Moreover, Mr Boateng called for strategic support, partic­ularly for youth-led start-ups in greenhouse farming, fruit processing, and digital agri-tech which offers "a new path for wealth creation and continuous development" in horticulture BY ABIGAIL ANNOH