Support farmers to cut ginger imports – Kwahu Roots CEO tells Gov’t

Kyeremeh Boa Amponsem is the Managing Director of Kwahu Roots and Fruits Processing Ltd. He has urged the government to support local ginger farmers. This support could help lower ginger prices and reduce reliance on imports from Cote d’Ivoire and other countries.

Mr. Amponsem spoke on Metro TV’s The Bottomline with Akwasi Afriyie. He expressed concern about rising ginger costs, which have increased significantly in recent years. Processors like his company are now forced to buy ginger from neighboring countries.

He shared that the price of ginger rose from GH¢3.50 per kilo to GH¢4.70 per kilo. Currently, a kilo of ginger costs GH¢150.00.

The price increase is due to several factors. Poor weather conditions have affected local yields, leading to lower production. Additionally, there has been a surge in demand from Nigeria.

Last year, Ghanaian farmers faced weather challenges that reduced their output. Meanwhile, Nigerian buyers sought ginger from Ghana, further driving up prices.

Mr. Amponsem believes Ghana has a promising ginger industry but warns it needs support for growth and sustainability. He called for investments in ginger cultivation and better infrastructure for farmers.

He highlighted the potential for job creation and export earnings if the industry develops properly. Kwahu Roots and Fruits Processing Ltd. focuses on adding value to ginger through processing in Ghana.