By Zobia Zulfqar 
The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has called for major investments in agricultural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food value chains, and attract both local and foreign investors into Ghana’s agriculture sector.
The appeal was made during a regional investment forum in Sunyani, where GIPA officials highlighted post-harvest losses as one of the biggest obstacles limiting agricultural productivity and investment. The authority said expanding processing facilities, storage infrastructure and transportation networks would significantly improve the competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural sector while creating more employment opportunities.
Speaking at the forum, Mr Abdul Razack Baba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, said addressing post-harvest losses was essential for improving investor confidence and unlocking the full economic potential of agriculture.
He explained that although Ghana produces large quantities of crops each year, inadequate processing factories, poor storage systems and limited transport infrastructure continue to result in significant losses before produce reaches consumers or export markets.
Mr Baba cited the cashew industry as an example, noting that large volumes of cashew apples often go to waste because of insufficient processing facilities and logistical challenges that prevent farmers from transporting their produce efficiently from farming communities.
According to him, reducing such losses would increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen agro-processing industries and encourage greater investment throughout the agricultural value chain.
He said GIPA was working with stakeholders to improve investment conditions by promoting infrastructure development and supporting national policies that encourage business growth. The authority believes improved infrastructure would create a more attractive environment for investors seeking opportunities in agriculture, food processing and agribusiness.
The investment forum was organised under the theme, “Driving Local Investment, Unlocking Regional Potential: Mapping Opportunities and Mobilising Growth in the Bono Region.” The event brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and development partners to discuss strategies for expanding investment across the region.
Mr Baba stressed that GIPA was particularly interested in promoting joint ventures between local entrepreneurs and international investors. He said such partnerships would help transfer technology, improve production standards and expand market access for Ghanaian agricultural products.
He also disclosed that the Government, through collaboration between the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance, was taking steps to improve access to finance for businesses. According to him, efforts to reduce lending rates would make it easier for existing companies to obtain capital needed to expand their operations and invest in modern equipment.
Access to affordable financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing businesses in Ghana, particularly small and medium sized enterprises operating within the agriculture sector. Lower borrowing costs, he noted, would encourage businesses to expand production and create more employment opportunities.
Mr Baba further announced that GIPA was inviting landowners across the country to register available agricultural lands so they could be matched with prospective investors. He explained that the initiative aims to simplify the investment process by connecting investors with suitable land for commercial agriculture and agro-industrial projects.
The programme is expected to improve transparency in land acquisition while reducing delays that often discourage potential investors.
Bono Regional Minister Mr Joseph Akwaboa also addressed the forum, describing the Bono Region as one of Ghana’s most promising destinations for agricultural investment. He highlighted the region’s fertile soils, favourable climate, peaceful environment and hardworking population as key advantages for investors.
He noted that Bono possesses significant opportunities in crop production, agro processing, livestock development and related industries. With improved infrastructure and stronger partnerships, the region could become a major contributor to Ghana’s food security and export earnings.
Participants at the forum also discussed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions and the private sector to overcome barriers affecting agricultural development. Improving road networks, irrigation systems, storage facilities and processing plants featured prominently among the recommendations.
Experts agreed that reducing post harvest losses would not only improve food availability but also increase export competitiveness and raise incomes for thousands of farming households across the country.
GIPA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting investment opportunities throughout Ghana while working with public and private sector partners to build a stronger agricultural economy. Officials said continued investment in infrastructure, supportive policies and access to financing would position Ghana as a leading destination for agribusiness investment in West Africa.
The authority believes that by tackling post harvest losses through strategic infrastructure expansion, Ghana can strengthen its agricultural value chains, improve food security and generate sustainable economic growth for years to come.
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