The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has begun the disbursement of funds to help Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association of Ghana in oil palm production.
United Nations Development Programme financed the construction of two (2) model artisanal oil palm processing mill at Akyem Adwafo in Akyemansa District and Bamanase in the Denkyembour district .Under the program Nationally Determined Contribution Support Programme.
The third project is ongoing at Akyem Kusi, in the Denkyembour district.
The aim is to provide environmentally friendly artisanal oil palm processing mills in Ghana.The project is sponsored by UNDP, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Environmental Protection Agency.
The project according to the UNDP will help efficiency and waste management in the small-scale palm oil milling and production sub-sector.
The overall objective of the call is to provide technical and financial support towards improved energy efficient production and sustainable waste management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve worker and public health, and avoid environmental pollution.
For the palm oil processors, access to new technologies means increased production, stress-free processing, less processing time, less energy use, no more smoke, hygienic working environment, and more livelihood opportunities.
UNDP has put greater engagement with the private sector at the heart of its climate initiatives. This is being achieved by identifying pipeline of projects that can draw private investment to blend with public finance to ensure that key economic sectors grow in a resilient manner.
President of the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association of Ghana, Mr.Paul-Kwabena-Amaning said while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to fully unlock the potential of agriculture in the country.
He said that the agriculture sector in Ghana needs innovative solutions and increased investment to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
The development of Ghana’s oil palm business depends on having access to cutting-edge equipment, sophisticated farming methods, and high-quality inputs like seeds and fertilizer, he said.
Paul Amaning continued by saying that for many oil palm producers and agribusiness owners, access to financing continues to be a significant barrier. Farmers’ capacity to make investments in their operations, grow their enterprises, and adopt contemporary technologies is constrained by limited financing availability and high interest rates.
He also emphasized the necessity for strong government initiatives and supportive policies to boost the growth of the agriculture sector. This includes measures that emphasize agricultural R&D, offer financial incentives for private sector investment, and foster a climate that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship in the industry.
