OPDAG calls for stronger collaboration to transform Ghana's oil palm industry

The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, fintech companies, mobile network operators, mills, buyers and industry associations to transform Ghana’s oil palm industry.

President of OPDAG, Paul Kwabena Amaning, said closer cooperation among stakeholders was needed to address the financing, production and digital challenges affecting businesses across the oil palm value chain.

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“Transforming Ghana’s oil palm industry would require stronger collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, fintech companies, mobile network operators, mills, buyers and industry associations,” Amaning said.

Speaking at the Stakeholders in the Oil Palm Sector One-Day Workshop on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Amaning said Ghana currently produces about 250,000 metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually, against an estimated domestic demand of 400,000 metric tonnes, leaving a supply gap of about 150,000 metric tonnes.

He said the gap highlighted the need to increase local production, improve processing efficiency and make the industry more competitive.

He added that the sector has about 360,000 hectares under cultivation and supports approximately 631,000 people.

The OPDAG President also welcomed the proposed $500 million financing for oil palm development but stressed that the funding must be designed to meet the needs of smallholder farmers, aggregators and artisanal processors.

He said many of these operators contribute significantly to production and rural economic activity but have limited access to affordable financing, modern equipment and formal business support.

Amaning also identified digital financial services as an important part of transforming the sector, saying farmers, aggregators, processors, traders, transporters and exporters all depend on secure transactions and timely payments.

“Digital financial services can help improve payment security, strengthen record-keeping, increase transparency, and create opportunities for businesses to access savings, credit, insurance and other financial products,” he said.

He further said reliable digital transaction records, subject to appropriate consent and safeguards, could help financial institutions better understand small businesses and make more informed financing decisions.

He added that digitalisation should also be supported by reliable network connectivity, affordable transaction charges, accessible payment agents, interoperable systems, consumer protection and practical education for users.

Amaning said discussions on the traceability and revenue assurance system being developed for the sector could also help improve industry records and support access to financial services.

“Policies and financial solutions will be more effective when the voices of farmers, processors and other industry participants are heard and reflected in their design,” he said.

ANAS/MA

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