The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana EXIM Bank, Mr. Sylvester Adinam Mensah has underscored the critical role of technology and innovation in transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector, as he officially opened the maiden Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 at Independence Square in Accra.
The event, held under the theme “Transforming Agribusiness through Local Innovation and Technology,” is a joint initiative between the Ghana EXIM Bank and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.
In his keynote address, the CEO for Ghana Exim Bank, Sylvester Mensah described the fair as a strategic platform aimed at accelerating Ghana’s economic transformation through agro-processing, value addition, and export development.
“The Agrotech Fair 2026 is designed to be a flagship platform to promote innovation, strengthen agribusiness, and advance Ghana’s economic transformation,” he stated.
He noted that the fair brings together farmers, agribusinesses, innovators, investors, and policymakers to foster collaboration and turn ideas into viable commercial ventures.
“This platform creates the opportunity to transform ideas and prototypes into profitable business partnerships,” he said.
According to Mr. Mensah, the initiative is also intended to stimulate investment in agriculture, positioning the sector not only as a development priority but as a key driver of trade, employment, and industrial growth.
“Agriculture must be seen not just as a means of livelihood, but as a powerful engine for trade, jobs, and industrial expansion,” he emphasised.
The CEO highlighted the importance of agricultural technology in improving productivity and reducing inefficiencies across the value chain.
“Agricultural technology helps farmers produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality, and increase incomes,” he noted.
“It also enables processors to add value and exporters to meet global standards.”
He further stressed that modern agriculture presents new opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming.
“Agriculture today is not solely about farming it is about engineering, innovation, data, logistics, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Touching on the long-term vision of the fair, the CEO described it as a catalyst for sustainable transformation in the sector. “This fair is not just a showcase; it is a catalyst.
Its true impact will be seen in new partnerships, stronger businesses, and more export-ready enterprises,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Ghana EXIM Bank’s commitment to supporting an export-led economy through investments in value addition and productive sectors.
“For us, agriculture does not end at the farm gate it extends through processing, packaging, storage, branding, distribution, and export,” he explained.
The CEO also called for a strong focus on sustainability, urging stakeholders to adopt climate-smart and resource-efficient practices.
“A strong agricultural future must be built on sustainability—supporting technologies that improve productivity while protecting the environment,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving meaningful progress.
“No single institution can achieve this alone. Progress requires strong partnerships between government, industry, financial institutions, researchers, farmers, and innovators.”
The Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 is expected to become a regular platform to promote local agricultural technologies, support agribusiness growth, and position Ghanaian products more competitively on the global market.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
