The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and the Ghana Exim Bank, has launched a significant initiative to revitalize Ghana’s citrus industry through a strategic partnership with Central Citrus Processing Limited (CCPL).
This collaboration aims to transform over 75,000 hectares of abandoned citrus farms in the Central Region, particularly around Cape Coast, into productive agricultural land.
Central Citrus Processing Limited, one of Africa’s largest citrus processing facilities, will play a key role in this endeavor. The plant, which is the third largest in Africa, is expected to process over 15 tons of oranges into fruit juice per hour. The support from MoFA and ADB, coupled with a financial guarantee from Ghana Exim Bank, is projected to generate approximately GHC600 million in revenue over the next four years.
The initiative will directly benefit over 3,000 farmers across three districts, including AAK District, and create employment opportunities for 5,000 youths and women. The project aims to introduce new citrus varieties, such as the Pisie orange and passion fruits, which will enhance crop yields and increase income for local farmers. This effort is designed to address the economic challenges faced by these farmers and revitalize the citrus industry.
The partnership is expected to create over 20,000 sustainable jobs through the value chain and outgrower support programs. Additionally, it aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported fruit juices, which costs the country $200 million annually. The collaboration with Ekumfi Juices and Processing Factory will further bolster Ghana’s position as a leader in natural fruit juice production. The direct off-take arrangement ensures that CCPL’s produce will be used to blend the Eku tropical varieties, improving the taste and quality of the final product.
Historically, citrus farms in Ghana have been abandoned due to poor revenue, pest infestations, plant diseases, and ineffective cultivation practices. This has led many farmers to shift their focus to alternative crops such as rubber and cassava. The financial support from ADB aims to address these issues by improving the quality of citrus production and increasing sustainable income for all actors in the citrus value chain.
The citrus industry has struggled in recent years due to a lack of processing opportunities and a growing reliance on imported products. This new partnership seeks to reverse this trend by providing the necessary resources and support to rejuvenate the industry. The initiative represents a strategic move to enhance local production capabilities and drive economic growth in the region.
Citrus fruits are highly valued for their taste and nutritional benefits. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which are essential for growth, development, and overall health. By revitalizing the citrus sector, the project aims to provide both economic and nutritional benefits to consumers.
Ghana’s favorable conditions for growing high-quality oranges, as highlighted by GIZ evaluations, make it an ideal location for this initiative. The partnership between MoFA, ADB, and CCPL is seen as a crucial step toward leveraging these advantages and driving agricultural development in the region.
As the initiative progresses, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to positively impact the citrus industry. The project is expected to improve agricultural practices, create job opportunities, and enhance the quality of fruit products in Ghana. The success of this collaboration will serve as a model for future agricultural development efforts, demonstrating the benefits of a cooperative approach to addressing industry challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
