Onesta Ghana Ltd, an agro-industrial enterprise, has officially launched the Redgold Oil Palm Plantation Project (ROPP), a transformative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at building a sustainable and fully integrated oil palm value chain in Ghana.

The initiative, which will cover over 10,000 hectares in its initial phase, seeks to enhance local palm oil production, reduce the country’s reliance on imports, and create jobs, particularly in rural communities. The project will include both a nucleus estate and an out-grower scheme, positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the global palm oil market.

Ghana currently faces a production deficit of 150,000 metric tonnes annually, while neighbouring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire have begun exporting palm oil.

At the launch event held at the company’s new office in Accra, Hon. Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, former Minister of Trade and Industry and Board Chairman of Onesta Ghana Ltd, said the goal is to elevate palm oil as a strategic crop alongside cocoa in driving Ghana’s agribusiness agenda.

“I am very glad this vision is here. For the first 10,000 hectares alone, we estimate a need for $50 million in investment,” he said, adding that Ghana is looking to cultivate 50,000 hectares of palm with private sector participation.

He cited Malaysia as an example of a country that has successfully leveraged palm oil for national development and affirmed Ghana’s determination to follow a similar path.

Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project.

“Investment in the palm oil sector has the potential to provide jobs, improve local economies and reduce rural poverty,” he said. “We at the Ministry of Agriculture will give Onesta Ghana the conducive environment and support needed to accomplish this resounding vision.”

He also hinted that the Ministry of Finance would soon establish a Real Sector Division to identify and support high-impact growth areas such as agribusiness and responsible mining. Mr Maxwell Commey, Executive Director of Onesta Ghana Ltd and CEO of Oro Oil Ghana Ltd, outlined the PPP model behind ROPP.

“This project will provide end-to-end solutions from cultivation to processing and refining, delivering quality products while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability,” he stated.

“We at Onesta Ghana Ltd will ensure that this PPP enhances food security, creates employment, and delivers value to stakeholders while upholding environmental and social safeguards.”

The launch event was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including Dr Ofosu Ampofo (Special Adviser to the Vice President and Board chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board), Hon. Okunor Naa Koryoo Philis (MP Kasoa), Hon Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere (Central Region Minister), Hon.Teddy Safori Addi (Former MP Ayensuano and Current Deputy Director of NADMO Operations), Dr Andy Osaei Okra (CEO, TCDA), Mr Alhassan Andani (former MD Stanbic Bank), HRH. Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, also known as Ben Nunoo-Mensah (Noryaa Mantse of The Ga State and Special Aide to HRM The Ga Mantse).

There were also representative of Chiefs from Begoro led by Nana Baffour Owiredu Agyarko Minta (Okyeman Benkumhene), representatives of Chiefs from Western region led by Nana Kontanko Ababio I, Nana Boakye Yiadom Kotoko (Omanhene of Adudwama Traditional Area), HE Syed Nauzeridid( High Commissioner of Malaysia), Mr Abderrahmane Belbachir, MD, Bank of Africa, Patrick Kavege- Bank of Africa, Gifty Owusu- Head, Product Development, GCB, Mr Sheriff Ouadrago - Head, Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce, Edward Asare- Head, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank, and Judith Aikins, Head of SME, Ghana Exim Bank, Nana Kwadwo Agyei (Business mogul and a board member Onesta Ltd) among others.