GOPPA Hails 2026 Budget As Game -Changer For Ghana’s Oil Palm Industry

The Ghana Small Scale Oil Palm Producers Association (GOPPA) has hailed the 2026 Budget as a transformative turning point for the country’s oil palm industry, popularly known as “Red Gold”. The association expressed its profound appreciation to the Minister for Finance and the Government of Ghana for the visionary and transformative budget, which launches the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development (2026-2032).

The policy, supported by a dedicated GH¢6.9 billion allocation and a US$500 million Oil Palm Development Finance Window, represents a historic commitment to elevate Ghana’s oil palm sector into a major driver of national industrialization, rural development, and export competitiveness.

GOPPA commended the government for placing smallholder farmers at the center of this bold national effort, stating that the budget’s clear national priorities, including the establishment of 100,000 hectares of new plantations, creation of over 250,000 jobs, and strengthening of downstream processing and value addition, will transform Ghana’s Red Gold into a globally competitive commodity.

The association welcomed the Outgrower Partnership Scheme, which ensures smallholders remain central to the expansion of Ghana’s Red Gold economy, and the newly established Smallholder Support Fund, which focuses on women and youth.

GOPPA also applauded the dedicated US$500 million Oil Palm Development Finance Window, describing it as a groundbreaking intervention aligned with the seven-year maturity cycle of Red Gold cultivation.

The association acknowledged the strengthened institutional framework outlined in the budget, including the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) as the lead regulator, Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) for research and improved high-yield varieties, and Ghana EXIM Bank for long-term financing and export support.

With over 3,000 registered members, GOPPA remains the largest and most experienced smallholder oil palm association in Ghana, and has expressed its readiness to support the implementation of the policy, offering its expertise and willingness to serve on any board, committee, or technical working group constituted to support the planning and implementation of the policy.

“GOPPA wholeheartedly applauds the Government of Ghana for placing small-scale producers at the center of the nation’s strategy to transform the Red Gold industry,” the association stated. “The 2026 Budget lays a strong foundation for Ghana to become a continental leader and a globally recognized producer of sustainable palm oil.”