Mahama’s 3 Million Coconut Seedlings Initiative Set to Transform Ghana’s Agriculture and Export Sector

By Joylinda Laryea / 16 September 2025

In a bold move to transform Ghana’s agricultural economy and position the country as Africa’s coconut powerhouse, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the distribution of three million elite coconut seedlings under the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA).

The flagship programme, financed by the Ghana Exim Bank and jointly implemented by the Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG) and the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs across 11 regions. It aims to target more than 20,000 farmers especially women and youth offering free access to seedlings, technical training, and market linkages.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, stated:
“By targeting over 20,000 farmers across 11 regions, we are not just planting trees we are planting sustainable futures and inclusive prosperity.”

With elite seedlings capable of bearing fruit within three years and maturing for over 60 years, the initiative is being described by many beneficiaries as a “miracle in motion.” A young woman farmer from the Oti Region shared her joy:
“I’ve waited for a day like this. I now have 300 coconut seedlings, training, and a market. This is how dreams begin.”

Mr. Patrick Ndabiah, President of COCOFEG, expressed the Federation’s commitment to ensuring the success of the programme:
“As a Federation, we are mobilizing farmers and building systems that will make Ghana a centre of excellence for coconut in Africa. We are grateful to President Mahama for this bold and practical intervention.”

Ghana’s coconut sector already contributes over $12 million annually in export value, but with global demand soaring for coconut and its derivatives including water, oil, milk, husk, and coir—the potential for growth is immense.

To further accelerate growth, Ghana is also supporting the establishment of the African Coconut Board (AFRICOBOD), headquartered in Accra, to unite coconut-producing countries across the continent and promote coordinated development.

Mr. Sylvester Mensah, CEO of Ghana Exim Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment:
“We are investing in an ecosystem that guarantees jobs, increases export earnings, and drives sustainable industrial growth. Coconut is an economic tree, and we are ensuring that every seedling counts toward Ghana’s industrial transformation.”

Building on this momentum, Ghana has also announced plans to plant an additional 10 million coconut trees in the coming years, consolidating its leadership in Africa and positioning the nation as a global player in the multibillion-dollar coconut economy.

FAGE President Davies Narh Korboe summed up the sentiment:
“This is not just about coconuts, it’s about restoring dignity to our rural farmers, creating jobs for the youth, and opening up Ghana to export-led development. Coconut is the new cocoa. Let’s nurture it right.”

Indeed, with this bold step, Ghana is not just planting trees, it is planting the roots of a greener, more prosperous future.