The Volta Region of Ghana is undoubtedly one of the areas blessed with fertile land that can be used for agricultural purposes for job creation.
Farming is the major source of income for most households in the region while fishing is another important income-generating activity, particularly for communities along the coastline and the Volta Lake.
Even though the region is largely rural, there are several calls for investment due to its natural resources.
Three indigenous companies making groundbreaking investments in different areas of agriculture is further making the region attractive beyond its acclaimed tourism potential.
In no particular order, this write-up will put the spotlight on privately commercial farmers that are driving change in the region. These companies are owned by individuals who worked in the corporate industry for years before resigning to fully focus on agriculture and agribusiness.
Farmer Globale
Led by its founder, Fred Kukubor, Farmer Globale, with farms in Adidome in the Central Tongu District, is creating jobs for locals through different approaches.
The company combines contract and commercial farming to create a powerful, innovative model that maximizes productivity and ensures a sustainable supply of staple crops like rice.
As one of the leading rice producers and processors in the country, Farmer Globale utilizes large-scale, fully mechanized commercial farms that leverage advanced technology, irrigation, and precision farming techniques to enhance efficiency and yield.
Behind the FDA-certified Jenisse Rice brand, they engage smallholder farmers through contract farming, providing them with inputs, training, and market access under pre-agreed terms.
The company is currently leading a project, Youth Elevate in partnership with Kosmos Innovation Centre and MasterCard Foundation, supporting over 500 youth with starter packs.
They are receiving inputs such as certified seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, cutlasses, and boots to kick-start their farm enterprises in Central and South Tongu, Ho Municipal and Ho-West.
Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited
The company is the leading producer and exporter of fresh sweet potatoes and vegetables in Ghana.
Located in Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, the company aside from the production and export of some major food crops such as yam, orange flesh sweet potato, fresh vegetables and fruits, they also add value to their root and tuber crops such as cassava, yam and potato. They’re known for producing nutri-rich sweet potato gari.
The Chief Executive Officer, Felix Mawuli Kamassah who resigned as a banker is currently the President of the Vegetables Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG). Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited also serves as a training and agro-tourism centre where individuals and groups visit to learn and become investors in the industry.
The company utilizes both greenhouse and open field farming to produce high-quality products mostly exported to Europe.
Mr. Kamassah has been on a business tour lately with some government officials such as the Minister of Food and Agriculture and the Volta Regional Minister on how to revive some abandoned state agriculture establishments for growth in the industry.
He was at the Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme where there are several abandoned greenhouses that can become useful when revived and the Vakpo Pack House for agricultural produce such as fruits and vegetables in the North Dayi District of the region.
Flosell Farms
Flosell Farms since its establishment in Sogakope is one of the leading indigenous fish farms and is engaged in aquaculture technology. Through their innovative services and impactful training programs, they have empowered fish farmers not just in Ghana, but across the continent.
Founded by a native of the Volta Region, Evans Danso, Flosell Farms has a capacity building program for the youth dubbed Training Program for Young Professionals in Aquaculture, sponsored by American Soybean Association and WISHH, where they equip them expertise needed to drive sustainable fish farming in Ghana.
Aside from supplying fresh tilapia to the open market, they’re also training the youth on value addition such as fish sausages, fish powder, fish crackers among others through partnerships.
