The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Ghana Exim Bank, has partnered with Central Citrus Processing Limited (CCPL) to revitalize the citrus industry in Ghana.
The partnership aims to provide financial support to CCPL to develop and cultivate over 75,000 hectares of abandoned citrus farms in the Central Region.
This initiative is expected to generate approximately GHC600 million in income within four years of operation.
Over 3,000 farmers in three districts, along with 5,000 youths and women, are benefiting from this partnership.
CCPL, the third-largest citrus processing plant in Africa, is working with Ekumfi Juices and Processing Factory to process over 15 tons of oranges per hour and produce high-quality fruit juices.
This partnership is expected to create over 20,000 sustainable jobs through the value chain and outgrower support program.
Additionally, it aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported fruit juice, which currently amounts to US$200 million per annum.
The citrus industry in Ghana has faced challenges due to poor revenue, insect infestation, plant diseases, and unproductive work processes. As a result, many citrus farms have been abandoned over the past decade.
ADB’s financial support will help improve citrus production quality and increase sustainable income for farmers and other stakeholders along the citrus value chain. Citrus fruits are recognized for their nutritional value and are highly sought after globally.
