Ghana: Palm oil producers project steep rise in imports

The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has forecasted a surge in palm oil imports due to increased galamsey activities and low domestic production. From 2019 to 2021, Ghana imported approximately $1.17 billion worth of palm oil, despite having the potential to become a net exporter. The country's low average yield of four tonnes per hectare, only 25% of potential, is attributed to poor agronomy and a lack of knowledge on best management practices. OPDAG is advocating for improvements in farming practices and mill operations to enhance export revenue.

The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) has projected a rise in imports of palm oil into the country, citing activities of galamsey as further contributing to a shortfall and deficit in domestic production. The Association’s president, Samuel Avaala, said though OPDAG is yet to ascertain the full extent of damage galamsey has posed to oil palm plantations across the country, preliminary data available to the association indicate the impact is negative and enormous. The phenomenon, according to Mr. Avaala, may further deepen the country’s deficit in palm oil production and cultivation – protracting Ghana’s status as a net importer of the commodity. “The data isn’t changing quickly to our advantage as we don’t produce more for consumption than we import. We also have to move away from organic production and do something different,” he said. Data from OPDAG indicate that Ghana imported some US$1.17billion worth of palm oil between 2019 and 2021, with imports still ...