The Management of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has observed the various publications with sensational headlines in circulation in some print and online media over the past weeks on alleged financial malpractices. GEPA categorically refutes these allegations and states that the information in circulation besides being untrue are attempts with political undertones to denigrate the Authority.

It is worthy to note that since the management of GEPA was changed in April last year, the export sector has witnessed major interventions all geared towards supply base expansion and increased exports. Notable among these interventions are:

• Cashew

In December last year, the GEPA launched a pilot mass spraying and distribution of grafted seedlings programme at Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region. The exercise is targeted at spraying about 70,000 acres annually, and is expected to increase yield by 30% over the current production level of about 70,000 metric tonnes.

GEPA also developed a 10-year sustainability plan for the production of cashew which was launched by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic. The objective is to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement strategic policies, aimed at significantly increasing the production of raw cashew nuts (RCN).

• Pineapple

GEPA has prepared and delivered 15 million suckers of pineapple and has committed funding to the tune of GH¢4.2 million to the procurement of the suckers to pineapple factories in the Eastern Region. This investment is expected to yield an estimated $13.1 million in a few years.

• One district one exportable product

GEPA has undertaken extensive consultation with all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies throughout the country to identify one crop from each district, which would be developed for export. Further work in areas including provision of storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses, are ongoing.

• Coconut

GEPA launched the Coconut Export Revitalization Project in March 2018, distributing 60,000 hybrid coconut seedlings to farmers within the central Region. In furtherance of this initiative, 40,000 seedlings are also being provided to coconut farmers in the Central Region under the aegis of the Coconut Farmers' Association (COFAG). This intervention is particularly necessary as the projected world demand for coconut and its by products in 2021 is estimated to be 2.8 billion dollars.

• Manufactured Garments

GEPA supported the setting up of a Secretariat for the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM) and also supported officials to participate in the 2018 February version of the MAGIC Show. Exporters secured market for the products.

• Abompe Breads Development project

GEPA has embarked on a mission to rejuvinate and resuscitate the Abompe Beads Industry of Akyem-Abompe, in the Fanteakwa North district of the Eastern Region by supporting to procure land for erection of a shed for beads producers.

• Market Hub

In an attempt to bridge the information gap, GEPA launched the Market Hub providing up to date relevant information on markets, export products and standards at the click of a button to the exporter community.

Having been involved in projects, activities and programmes to increase Ghana’s exports and achieve the target of US$ 10 billion by 2020, the management will not be derailed by unfounded claims and commits to continue to work for the good of mother Ghana.