The government of Ghana has set a target to double the country’s coconut plantation coverage from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 by the end of 2028, as part of efforts to make country the largest producer of coconut in Africa and the 12th largest globally.
This was revealed by Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA) at the Office of the President.
According to Dr Otokunor, the initiative forms part of the President’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes the distribution of over three million improved coconut seedlings to farmers nationwide.
The intervention has so far added about 31,500 acres of new coconut plantations.
“This initiative has added 31,500 acres of new coconut plantation to the existing 90,000 hectares of coconut farms in Ghana,” he said.
“It is the vision of His Excellency (President John Dramani Mahama) to achieved, by the time he completes his term in 2028…we would have doubled the total coconut plantation coverage in Ghana from 90,000 hectares to 180,000 hectares.”
The announcement was made during a training and capacity-building programme in Kumasi in the Ashanti region on February 6, 2026, attended by about 500 coconut farmers and agricultural extension officers from the Ashanti and Western North regions.
Ghana ramping up coconut production for export
The programme, held under the theme “Presidential Initiative on Coconut Development: Training and Capacity Building for Coconut Farmers,” brought together beneficiaries of the government’s free improved coconut seedling distribution carried out last year.
The training, which is the first in a series, is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Ghana, Ghana EXIM Bank and the Coconut Federation of Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Municipal Chief Executive of Asokore Mampong, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, highlighted the government’s integrated approach to agricultural development.
He noted that the Capacity Building Performance Programme, in partnership with Ghana EXIM Bank and the Coconut Federation of Ghana, reflects the government’s commitment to linking production, processing, financing and market access.
“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy and a critical driver of employment, income generation and food security. Within this sector, the coconut value chain presents immense opportunities and not only for farmers but also for processors, exporters and small-scale agribusinesses,” he said.
He stressed that realizing this potential requires deliberate investment in knowledge, skills and modern farming practices, adding that the training aligns with the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
Also speaking at the event, Rahman Taminu, Project Manager of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, said the initiative is aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s coconut sector and positioning it as a major contributor to food security, employment creation, export growth and rural empowerment.
He emphasised that while the distribution of seedlings is important, the success of the programme largely depends on proper nurturing, management and sustainability to ensure high survival rates and improved yields.
“This training workshop has been carefully designed to provide farmers with critical technical guidance on best agronomic practices, including proper planting techniques, spacing, pest and disease management, intercropping opportunities, soil fertility improvement and farm maintenance strategies,” he stated.
On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Isaac Obeng Antwi-Arko, Deputy Project Manager, reaffirmed the bank’s full support for the initiative and commended farmers for their commitment.
He noted that the seedlings represent a long-term investment, not only in individual farms but also in the future growth of Ghana’s coconut industry, urging farmers to apply the knowledge gained to maximize the benefits of the programme.
Participants were encouraged to fully utilize the opportunity to translate the knowledge gained into better farm management, higher yields, improved produce quality and increased income.
The training programme focused on, improved agronomic practices, nursery establishment, plantation management, pest and disease control and market-oriented production.
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