The Facilitator for Soya Beans Round Table Ghana, Yaw Afrifa has called on government to pay more attention to the Soya beans production in the country just like cocoa to support Ghana’s economy.
Mr Afrifa said Soya beans on the international market is more expensive than most commodities and seen as brown gold, however less attention is given to the industry in Ghana.
He said countries like Brazil and Colombia are making strides with soya to boost their economy adding that Ghana can do same if government pays attention to the industry.
He said despite the economic value of soya beans, there is no institutional arrangement in Ghana to support the industry.
Mr Afrifa was speaking at the First Quarter Round Table in the Upper West Regional Capital,Wa.
Soya Beans Round Table Ghana is a value chain Association with a focus on advocating the development and growth of the soya beans industry.
The association is collaborating with GIZ to facilitate successful implementation of the programme.
The First Quarter Round Table was to discuss technical issues affecting the industry and enhance its development.
The Facilitator, Yaw Afrifa identified visibility, information sharing and branding as major challenges confronting soya beans farmers in Ghana.
Mr Afrifa said the association is targeting 20.000 hectares for cultivation this year and assured farmers of ready market and the prevention of post-harvest losses.
Desmond Twumasi from GIZ said Soya bean is a multipurpose cash crop and its economic value cannot be over emphasized.
He said Ghana produces a national average of 1.6 metric tons which is far below that of the United States’ average of 3.5 tons.
The meeting brought together stakeholders and experts including service providers, input dealers, financiers and machinery suppliers to design workable agreement to make the Soya beans industry attractive for famers.
Mr Twumasi said the U.S is making huge gains in soya beans production and Ghana must put policies in place to catch-up with other players on the international market.
