By: Kekeli K. Blamey
USAID’s Acting Missions Director in Ghana, Grace Lang, highlighted the challenges facing Ghana’s fruit export industry, particularly poor post-harvest handling and sanitary issues, which lead to a staggering 66% rejection rate annually [user input]. This not only affects the fruit sector but also hinders economic growth.
To address these challenges, the United States Government, through USAID, has invested $440,480 (over GH¢7m) in expanding a local fruit processing factory, Pure and Just Company Limited [user input]. This investment has equipped the factory with advanced fruit-drying machines, increasing its processing capacity from 1 tonne to 6 tonnes per day.
Lang emphasized the facility’s role in job creation, increasing farmer incomes, and positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the global dried fruits market [user input]. The U.S. Government’s support aims to foster economic growth and create jobs.
Key Challenges:
- Poor post-harvest handling
- Sanitary issues
- Inadequate infrastructure
USAID’s Support:
- Invested $440,480 in factory expansion
- Equipped factory with advanced fruit-drying machines
- Increased processing capacity from 1 tonne to 6 tonnes per day
By addressing these challenges, Ghana can unlock its potential in the global processed fruit market and achieve sustainable economic growth.
