There is a saying that “slow progress is better than no progress,” something that Ghanaian farmers adopted so deeply that it has completely changed the scenario and turned their slow development into a huge success. In the last fifteen years, Ghana has made a dramatic turn from a mere agricultural country to a global leader in orange production, with a current position of 19th. This rapid growth presents an incredible opportunity for investors.

The production scenario for oranges before and after: Kwabena, a second-generation farmer in Ghana, struggled to live a low-standard lifestyle, and back in those days, oranges were considered a luxury fruit for these types of low-standard living people. Despite having limited resources and limited knowledge, they continued to adhere to traditional farming methods so that they couldn’t make any improvements. He believed that oranges were only for rich families. 

However, a newly introduced transformative farming practice and the policies of Ghana’s government gave him and thousands of other similar farmers like him a new and improved life.

Now about 20,000 farmers are working in the citrus industry, and many are willing to do the same. With an average yearly growth rate of 27.62%, Ghana’s orange production increased from 128,000 metric tonnes to 696,925.12 metric tonnes.

In the past, orange juice, one of the most essential juices in the juice industry, caught the government’s attention. At the same time, there was an ongoing economic crisis, and the government sought to overcome it through new initiatives by exporting agricultural goods.

Ghana’s first Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) took a proactive step, collaborating with private farmers to initiate the implementation of off-season orange cultivation. They were able to improve their farming techniques and practices, and these best practices provided a more suitable entry point for potential investors. Farmers, similar to Kwabena,  transformed their concerns into new contexts through the adoption of innovative farming methods. Ghanaian farmers have been noticing diseases in their orange varieties, but with the support of the federal government, they have partially resolved this issue, a crucial step towards maintaining a robust production rate. As a result, Ghana’s orange production rate ranks among one of the highest in Africa, and the land area under orange plantations has also increased.

A unique story of Queen Mother of Oranges: “Droplets of water form oceans,” indicating that it’s not necessary for everyone to alter the entire structure of everything. However, Diana Kumi has demonstrated that even small changes or positive actions can have a significant impact. Diana Kumi, now known as the Queen Mother of Oranges, took a major initiative for improvement in market sanitation. The previous market conditions were unclean and unsanitized, plagued by waste and fecal sludge. Waste dumping and a lack of sanitation infrastructure plagued the market where Kumi operated a fruit stall. Only 23% of the region’s 240,000 residents have access to sanitation devices, exposing them to various diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. In 2014, the African Water Facility, the Netherlands Government, local authorities, and Safi Sana Ghana Limited funded a project to improve sanitation.

The project aimed to improve infrastructure, such as renewable energy and public toilet construction, to mitigate social problems and address sanitation issues. Ultimately, this initiative received recognition and successfully transformed the market into a cleaner environment. Now, their environment is much cleaner than before, and Kumi and many other people save money instead of paying informal waste collectors. This inspiring story has shaped many people’s mindsets, and the whole context has uncovered new opportunities for investors. Numerous small-scale organizations process waste and turn it into valuable goods.

Ghana’s optimal subsidiaries: Ghana’s ideal growing environment plays a significant role in the success of the country’s orange-growing industry. To begin, Ghana’s tropical climate is ideal for orange farming. The country’s moderate climate is a result of its location, just a few degrees north of the equator. Oranges Ghana’s abundant sunshine and rainfall promote orange growth. Because soils are mostly lateral, somewhat fertile, and less acidic, they are suitable for growing oranges in Ghana because they drain well and have the right soil depth.

Investors who are part of success: It was not easy to cultivate oranges back then, but those who decided to invest anyway are now the storytellers, telling the tales of successful investments. An investor who shares his experiences is Mr. Sajjuel Aba, a successful orange farmer. Mr. Sajjuel Aba highlighted the importance of soil profitability and texture, particularly for agriculture. The government’s advantageous policies and the encouragement of nearby farmers were largely responsible for this success. Mr. Aba highlights the significance of texture, particularly the mix of sand and clay in Lomi soil, for optimal orange growth. Additionally, he emphasizes the sustained effort required for any field improvement by providing details on fruit varieties, harvesting frequency, and orange tree maturity timelines. Despite obstacles, he was able to pinpoint the essential elements.

During that period, several companies began their journey in orange production, and today, they stand as Ghana’s leading orange producers, each with a unique story. Like Mr. Sajjuel Aba, Oram Farms has revived citrus farming in Ghana by acquiring over 500 acres of orange farms, processing the produce, and educating farmers to prevent them from cutting down trees. As they transitioned from orange farming to citrus farming, companies invested in the central region.

Despite a lack of an enabling environment and low local demand, value addition and exportation have the potential to grow and generate revenue. Citrus farming in Ghana also has a promising future; it intends to make it a cash crop and tap into the lucrative global market.

For those who are willing to invest, whether now or in the future: This question first comes to the investor’s mind: “Is orange production still a wise investment in Ghana?” In Ghana, the ideal conditions for growing oranges ensure that investors receive positive returns on their investments. The Ghanaian government has implemented several initiatives to boost the country’s orange industry.

The One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy and the Ghana Investment Project Centre are examples of government policies that provide significant support to investors. Each orange production company’s inspiring stories are now available for everyone to watch on various media channels. In Africa and around the world, market demand for orange juice is increasing day by day. Additionally, Ghana has potential in the export and import system, providing opportunities for export and foreign exchange earnings. So, investing in Ghana’s orange production offers not just potential returns but also a stake in a flourishing and sustainable industry.