Agribusiness Experts Warn: Ghana’s Food Losses Could Sustain Ashanti Region for Over a Year

Ghana’s agribusiness sector is facing a significant challenge due to overwhelming post-harvest losses. According to agribusiness expert Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the country experiences annual food losses that could feed the entire Ashanti Region, which has over 5.4 million residents, for more than a year and a half.

Key Facts on Ghana’s Food Losses

• Annual Post-Harvest Losses: Estimated between $1.9 and $2 billion.
• Food Consumption in Ashanti Region: Approximately GH₵14 billion (around $1.2 billion) per year.
• Loss of Grains and Produce: 30% of grains and 50% of fruits and vegetables go to waste.
• Food Import Bill: The country imported food worth $2 billion in 2024.
• Lending to Agriculture: Currently less than 5% of total bank credit goes to agricultural financing.
• Arable Land: Ghana has over 13 million hectares of arable land; around 7 million hectares are actively cultivated.

Inaugural Agribusiness Dialogue Highlights

The inaugural Regional Agribusiness Dialogue took place in Kumasi on October 10, 2025. During the event, Mr. Acquaye emphasized the urgency for systemic reforms in the agricultural value chain. He advocated for the establishment of a dedicated AgriFund to finance investments in storage, processing, and logistics.

Need for Systemic Reform

Stakeholders recognize the pressing need for a coordinated agricultural policy. The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), in collaboration with various partners, is conducting regional consultations aimed at formulating Ghana’s first National Agribusiness Policy.

Collaboration and Private Sector Involvement

Industry leaders, including Hayfron Aboagye from PwC Ghana, stressed the importance of collaboration. They noted that despite possessing vast arable land, Ghana’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped.

A Future Focused on Agribusiness

The discussions in Kumasi followed a significant national dialogue in Accra in July 2025, which included high-level officials. This indicates a renewed national commitment to transforming agribusiness into a cornerstone of job creation and food security in Ghana.

Experts agree that the time for decisive action is now. Addressing post-harvest losses effectively has the potential to reshape Ghana’s agricultural landscape and significantly contribute to national prosperity.