The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davis Korboe, has called for a clear and robust policy framework to support Ghana’s export sector and agribusiness industry.
He warned that without such a structure, exporters will continue to struggle amid persistent economic challenges.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Accra-based TV3’s Business Focus on Monday, May 12, Korboe emphasised the need for a “special purpose vehicle” to cushion exporters, especially those within the agribusiness value chain.
He noted that despite interventions by financial institutions like EXIM Bank and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), the current support mechanisms are inadequate to absorb the shocks confronting exporters.
“Our exporters are crying; this is the time for our banks to be up and doing… There should be a special purpose vehicle for export and agribusiness in general. Once that happens, these shocks will be absorbed,” he said.
Korboe also raised concerns about the volatility of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies, warning against abrupt efforts to stabilise its value.
“There’s too much stress on the cedi, and that hurts our exports. There should be some allowance for depreciation, but it shouldn’t be done overnight. Stability is good, but we need to understand the difference between stability and appreciation,” he stated.
His comments come ahead of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, one of the most anticipated agribusiness events in West Africa, slated for June 11 to 13 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Under the theme “Innovate, transform, sustain: driving growth in Ghana’s horticultural sector,” the expo aims to spotlight the potential of horticulture to boost economic growth and attract investment.
The event will bring together producers, exporters, investors, researchers and policymakers to explore strategies for innovation, sustainability and market access within the horticulture space.
It will also address key issues such as climate resilience, regional trade integration and inclusive participation, particularly among youth and women-led agribusinesses.