GHANA – Ghana is positioning itself to enhance its influence in the global palm oil market by seeking full membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).

Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, made this announcement. Ghana has been an observer member of the council for four years.

The government aims to boost the country’s palm oil industry, which ranks fifth in Africa, trailing behind Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The CPOPC, established in 2015 by Indonesia and Malaysia, serves as a platform for member countries to collaborate on palm oil production, share best practices, and advocate for the industry’s interests.

Acheampong emphasized the potential benefits of full membership, stating, “Ghana’s membership as a full member should benefit smallholder farmers who will have access to the conferences and activities organized by the organization.”

He believes this change could significantly enhance productivity and create more job opportunities within the sector.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ghana’s palm oil production reached approximately 300,000 tons in 2022/2023.

The government recognizes the need to improve the sector’s performance and is committed to strengthening cooperation with key players in the global market.

To facilitate this transition, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has been tasked with overseeing the upgrade of Ghana’s status within the CPOPC.

The CPOPC’s mission is to promote sustainable palm oil production while addressing environmental concerns associated with the industry.

As palm oil has become a focal point of global scrutiny due to deforestation and habitat destruction, the council aims to harmonize sustainability standards among its members.

Acheampong’s statement reflects an understanding of these challenges, as he noted, “Our goal is to ensure that Ghana’s palm oil sector not only meets local demand but also competes effectively on the international stage.”

Ghana’s pursuit of full membership comes at a crucial time when the palm oil industry faces increasing pressure from environmental regulations, particularly from the European Union.

The CPOPC has been vocal about the need for fair trade practices and has argued that some regulations may be more protectionist than genuinely environmental.

The organization aims to ensure that palm oil continues to play a significant role in the economies of its member countries, where it supports millions of livelihoods.

As Ghana seeks to elevate its status within the CPOPC, the government is also focused on enhancing the capabilities of smallholder farmers, who constitute a significant portion of the palm oil production landscape.

By gaining full membership, these farmers will have improved access to resources, training, and market opportunities, essential for boosting their productivity and income.

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