Mr. Commey, a prominent figure in Ghana’s agricultural sector and a board member of the Tree Crops Development Authority, has outlined a strategic roadmap to bolster the country’s economic resilience while tackling its unemployment crisis. Speaking in a recent interview, he emphasized the untapped potential of the agricultural industry, particularly oil palm, as a powerful driver of economic transformation.

Highlighting the vast opportunities within the sector, Mr. Commey pointed to the export potential of palm oil to neighboring African nations like Nigeria. According to him, this alone could create millions of jobs for Ghanaian youth if the government fosters an enabling environment for private sector participation. “The export of palm oil alone offers enough opportunities to create employment for millions of Ghanaian youth, provided the government creates an enabling environment for private sector participation,” he asserted.

As the CEO of Ghana’s largest palm oil exporting company, Mr. Commey shared the challenges his business faces in meeting both domestic and international demand. He revealed that his company currently supplies only 30% of the requirements of a single Nigerian client. This gap, he said, underscores the need for increased government support, such as the establishment of a Land Bank to provide agricultural investors with accessible land. “Government support, such as the provision of a Land Bank, would greatly empower private investors in agriculture,” he explained.

In addition to addressing export potential, Mr. Commey stressed the importance of enhancing local production to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports. He encouraged corporate entities to prioritize locally produced goods, especially during festive seasons, to strengthen the domestic market. “During festive seasons, we should encourage corporate entities to prioritise local produce over imported goods for hampers,” he advised.

Turning his attention to governance, Mr. Commey urged the incoming administration to adopt a depoliticized approach to managing national development initiatives, such as the Accelerated Export Development Council. He argued that partisan politics often hampers efficiency, proposing instead that industry experts with proven track records take the lead. “The council will be more efficient if partisan politics is eliminated. Decisions should involve industry players with proven track records rather than being driven by political agendas,” he emphasized.

Mr. Commey’s vision paints a compelling picture of agriculture as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation. With the right policies and government interventions, the sector could drive job creation, boost exports, and foster economic stability, ensuring a brighter future for the country.