On July 21, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened local stakeholders at the Alisa Hotel to discuss Ghana’s sanitary and phytosanitary export certification system. USAID/Ghana Acting Mission Director Steven E. Hendrix and the Honorable Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Crops), Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Alhassan, opened the discussion with 25 stakeholders.

Hendrix noted, “There is a direct link between Ghana’s economic health and the safety of its fresh produce. Ghanaian farmers produce some of the best horticulture products in the world, products that, if exported, could bring in millions of dollars to feed families, create jobs, and build the country.” He added that the lack of adherence to standards of food exports has blocked an influx of revenue into Ghana.

The U.S. government, through the Trade Africa Expansion Initiative, is committed to working with the Ghanaian government and the people of Ghana to improve its trade regime. The Improving Food Safety Systems Program (IFSSP) in Ghana is a USAID program that aims to fortify the plant health and protection compliance system for fruits and vegetables; boost public and private sector collaboration for active growth in exports; and encourage greater quality and profitability for key horticultural value chains in Ghana.

About USAID

USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID supports Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people.