ACCRA, Ghana, 13th October: President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations as part of the government’s strategy to expand agriculture, create jobs and increase rural incomes.
The President urged traditional authorities, particularly chiefs in the Western North Region, to take advantage of the proposed initiative by establishing plantations on their lands or partnering with young people to develop commercial farms.
Speaking during a courtesy call by chiefs of the Western North Region at the Presidency, President Mahama said oil palm and rubber production has been identified as important areas under the government’s proposed New Economy Policy.
He explained that the government intended to invest approximately US$10 billion over five years in nine selected sectors of the economy, including agriculture and agribusiness.
The initiative is expected to receive US$2 billion annually, with the President insisting that the funding would come from domestic resources rather than borrowing.
Addressing the chiefs, he emphasised that traditional authorities would not be required to surrender their lands to the government to participate in the oil palm programme.
“We are not asking you to release the land. You can also own the oil palm plantation yourselves,” he said.
President Mahama encouraged chiefs to consider establishing plantations of their own, noting that landowners could cultivate the crop and benefit from the income generated over time.
He added that the government would recruit young people to work on plantations established under the initiative, creating employment opportunities in rural communities.
The President also disclosed that the government intended to promote rubber cultivation in areas where cocoa production had become less sustainable.
He specifically identified the Western North Region as one of the areas targeted for increased rubber production to provide additional income for farmers.
The proposed agricultural interventions form part of the New Economy Policy, which the President said would be outlined in the 2027 Budget.
He said the broader strategy is to invest in productive sectors capable of creating jobs, expanding domestic production and providing alternative livelihoods for young people.
President Mahama further called on traditional authorities to support the government’s development agenda, stressing that chiefs remained important partners in community development.
The initiative, if implemented as announced, could create opportunities for landowners, farmers and rural workers while expanding Ghana’s oil palm and rubber industries.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭