In an exciting new initiative, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), through the OVCF program, has teamed up with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Central Citrus Processing Limited (CCPL) to breathe life back into Ghana’s citrus industry. Backed financially by Ghana Exim Bank, this collaboration will rejuvenate over 75,000 hectares of abandoned citrus farms in the Central Region, specifically in Cape Coast. This ambitious effort is expected to generate a whopping GHC600 million within four years.
More than 3,000 farmers across three districts, including the AAK District, along with 5,000 youths and women, are already benefiting from crop improvement programs and the introduction of new citrus varieties such as Pisie oranges and passion fruits, spearheaded by CCPL. As the third-largest citrus processing plant in Africa, CCPL is set to process over 15 tons of oranges per hour, transforming them into fruit juice. The collaboration with Ekumfi Juices and Processing Factory will help position Ghana as a dominant player in the natural fruits and juices industry.
The initiative promises to create over 20,000 sustainable jobs through value chain and outgrower support programs, all while reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported fruit juice—a burden that currently costs the country $200 million annually. CCPL will source its fruit directly from Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Factory to blend its popular Eku tropical varieties, ensuring high-quality products with enhanced flavors.
According to GIZ evaluations, Ghana boasts two of the best orange varieties globally, making this venture a sound investment for ADB. Despite past challenges in the citrus sector, including poor revenue, pest infestations, and unproductive processes, this partnership aims to uplift the industry, providing farmers with improved income and supporting the entire citrus value chain.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, crucial for nutritional health. With the ADB’s financial support and MoFA’s expertise, this collaboration promises to revive Ghana’s citrus industry and boost the economy, bringing sustainable income to thousands of Ghanaians.
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