June 27, 2023

Ghana aims to become top soybean exporter by 2030

Bryan Acheampong, Ghana's Minister of Food and Agriculture, said that Ghana will become the leading exporter of soybeans by 2030, GhanaWeb reported.

This ambitious target is expected to be achieved through the government's “Planting for Food and Jobs” programme, which aims to boost agricultural production in the country.

Highlighting Ghana's current soybean production, Acheampong said that the country produced 250,000 metric tonnes of soybeans last year. He emphasised the ministry's commitment to increasing soybean production in the coming years.

Speaking at the launch of the 'Support to Soya Bean Development in Ghana' event in Accra on June 23, 2023, the minister said that they intend to increase this number by 2027 to 1 million metric tonnes.

He said that Ghana is the number one exporter of yam and the number two exporter of cocoa in the world, and the government is hoping that Ghana will be the number one exporter of soybeans in the world by 2030.

The Ghanaian government implemented a ban on the exportation of maize, rice, soybeans, and other grains to eight countries on May 18, 2022. The countries affected by this directive include Niger, Sierra Leone, the Republic of Congo, the UK, Qatar, the US, Italy, and Canada.

The ban was put in place as part of efforts to promote local poultry and livestock production while enhancing food security within the country.

Minister Acheampong's vision for Ghana's soybean industry aligns with the government's broader strategy to bolster agricultural productivity and contribute to the country's export capabilities.

-      GhanaWeb