Ghana is intensifying efforts to diversify its agricultural economy beyond cocoa, with the tree crops sector positioned as a key growth engine under a new government-backed strategy.

A $500 million pledge by President John Dramani Mahama will fund the development of 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, a move projected to create around 250,000 jobs and stimulate wider expansion across several commercial crops.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Andy Osei Okrah, said the allocation reflects a clear and deliberate policy commitment to transform the sector into a major contributor to national output. He indicated that the availability of funds and ongoing engagement with development partners and international financiers show the initiative is already moving beyond planning stages.

While oil palm will serve as the flagship crop, Okrah stressed that other tree crops also offer strong revenue potential. The diversification plan includes cashew, coconut, rubber, mango and shea, all identified as viable export earners capable of strengthening Ghana’s presence in global agricultural trade.

According to TCDA projections, each crop could generate about $2 billion annually, lifting combined export earnings to as much as $12 billion a year through increased production and value addition. Currently, the entire tree crops segment brings in roughly $750 million, a small portion of the estimated $230 billion global market, highlighting significant room for growth.

Okrah added that private investors have begun expressing strong interest, pledging land and capital worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He also noted that the programme will prioritise transparency, with public monitoring of seedling distribution, grants and farmer support to ensure accountability.

Overall, the Authority views the initiative not as rhetoric but as a results-driven investment strategy aimed at building jobs, exports and long-term economic resilience through crop diversification.