Agona nkwanta: The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has conducted a training program for 30 artisanal palm oil producers in Agona Nkwanta and its neighboring communities. The initiative aimed to enhance the producers' compliance with international market standards.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training focused on various critical aspects such as regulatory requirements, food safety, quality control, and access to finance. These elements are expected to bring about significant improvements in the production methods employed by the artisans, fostering better practices over time.
This training session is part of a wider regional initiative designed to improve the quality and marketability of palm oil in the districts of Tarkwa, Prestea, Wassa East, and Ahanta West. The strategy equips farmers and processors with essential knowledge regarding best practices, export readiness, and sustainable production methods.
Madam Ursula Tawiah, Deputy Director at the GEPA Western Regional office, emphasized the importance of equipping farmers and producers in the value chain with the necessary skills to promote non-traditional export (NTE) products. The National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) has identified 17 priority products, including oil seeds, with oil palm and coconut being significant in the Western Region.
"We are hoping that the values of NTE's must shoot from 3.8 billion USD to 25.3 billion USD by 2029," Madam Tawiah stated.
She also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as the illegal addition of Sudan IV to palm oil and outdated processing methods. These issues, alongside limited access to high-quality seedlings, inadequate knowledge of export standards, and lack of funding, continue to hinder productivity and quality.
