Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor is the Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness
Ghana has launched a public registration portal for farmers as part of the Coconut Seedling Distribution Initiative, a program set to distribute three million coconut seedlings nationwide and transform the country’s agricultural sector.
The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Presidency, Dr Peter Boamah Otukunor, made this known during the opening of the public registration portal for farmers, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
“We are taking the next bold step by opening a registration portal that will allow new commercial and smallholder farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to either expand or start coconut farms. Through this initiative,three million coconut seedlings will be distributed across the country to farmers and interested individuals,” Dr Otokunor said.
He explained that the program, funded by the Ghana Exim Bank, aims to diversify Ghana’s export sector and accelerate agro-industrialisation.
“At the heart of today’s announcement is the ‘coconut’ — a crop that, in its simplicity, embodies resilience, versatility, and immense economic potential. Globally, the coconut industry is thriving, with annual production now exceeding 65 million metric tons, 95 percent of which comes from smallholder farmers.
“Ghana is now the 12th largest producer of coconuts in the world, and the number one producer in Africa. Our production has increased from 504,363 metric tons in 2022 to about 600,000 metric tons today, covering some 90,000 hectares across 11 regions of Ghana,” he said.
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Dr Peter Otokunor urged the youth to take advantage of the initiative, which is expected to significantly boost production, create jobs, and raise export revenues.
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“Let me encourage every young person to take advantage of this opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood through coconut cultivation. Together, we can position Ghana not only as the number one producer in Africa but also as a formidable force in the global coconut industry,” he added.
JKB/AE
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