Ghana's Government Working on Policy to Revitalize Cotton

By Jim.Robinson|September 2, 2010

Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry is holding a two-day summit September 1-2 to develop a strategy for the revival of the cotton industry. Only three months ago, the government pledged US$3.4 million (including US$1 million in general farm subsidies) to jump-start cotton production.

In addition to creating jobs and providing support for its cotton farmers in the north, Ghana officials hope that a healthier cotton industry will boost the textile and apparel industry as well by providing an inexpensive, local source for raw materials.

Cotton was strong and growing in Ghana throughout the mid-1970s, peaking at a total production of 24,000 tons in 1977, but a host of factors led to its decline. While its weather and growing conditions are excellent for cotton cultivation, Ghanaian growers have been forced to use inferior seed varieties that produce a fraction of the yield achieved by the more effective strains. In addition, the traditional farming techniques used by many growers are outdated and less efficient than those used in other parts of the world.

To combat the challenges, the Ghana government has spent US$2.1 million to develop a cotton farming facility to educate and assist growers in areas such as land preparation and the proper use of seeds, chemicals and fertilizers, and also established a US$1.5 million subsidy on fertilizer and chemicals.