The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s agricultural sector through value addition and industrialisation, as it backed the launch of the Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 in Accra.
The maiden event, held at Independence Square, is a joint initiative between the Ghana EXIM Bank and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, following a directive from John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, described the fair as a strategic platform aimed at accelerating agro-industrial growth and positioning agriculture as a key driver of exports.
“The Agrotech Fair 2026 is designed to promote innovation, strengthen agribusiness, and advance Ghana’s economic transformation through value addition,” he stated.
He noted that the initiative aligns with government’s broader agenda to shift the country’s focus from raw commodity exports to processed and value-added products.
“For us, agriculture does not end at the farm gate—it extends through processing, packaging, storage, branding, distribution, and export,” Mr. Mensah emphasised.
According to him, the fair brings together farmers, agribusinesses, innovators, investors, and policymakers to foster partnerships that can translate ideas into commercially viable ventures.
“This platform creates the opportunity to transform ideas and prototypes into profitable business partnerships,” he said.
Mr. Mensah further highlighted the role of technology in enhancing productivity and reducing inefficiencies across the agricultural value chain.
“Agricultural technology helps farmers produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality, and increase incomes. It also enables processors to add value and exporters to meet global standards,” he noted.
He stressed that government’s support for the initiative reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, export-driven economy anchored on industrialisation.
“Agriculture must be seen not just as a means of livelihood, but as a powerful engine for trade, jobs, and industrial expansion,” he added.
The CEO also called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders, noting that meaningful transformation in the sector will require coordinated efforts across public and private institutions.“No single institution can achieve this alone.
Progress requires strong partnerships between government, industry, financial institutions, researchers, farmers, and innovators,” he said.
The Ghana Agrotech Fair 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for agro-industrial development by promoting local innovation, supporting value addition, and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian products on the global market.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
