Ghana partners Sentuo Group to boost agro-processing, fertiliser production

The government has deepened efforts to transform the agricultural sector with the signing of a major agreement between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Sentuo Group Limited.

The agreement seeks to expand agro-processing and strengthen local fertiliser production.

The partnership, driven by Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku and aligned with the broader development agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to shift Ghana’s agriculture from raw commodity exports towards a more industrialised, value-added system.

Under the agreement, modern agro-processing facilities will be established across the country to process key crops such as cashew, maize, rice, soybean and oil palm. The facilities will also include storage systems, packaging units, quality control mechanisms and export support infrastructure aimed at improving competitiveness on the global market.

Mr Opoku described the deal as a major turning point for the sector.

“This partnership signals a shift from exporting raw commodities to building a resilient agro-industrial economy that delivers jobs, value, and long-term prosperity,” he said.

A central feature of the arrangement is the establishment of a National Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant, which will be supported by an integrated input supply system to serve farmers nationwide.

The project is designed to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported fertilisers and stabilise prices in the agricultural value chain.

“For years, our farmers have been vulnerable to fluctuations in imported inputs. This intervention will ensure reliable access to affordable fertiliser across the country,” he noted.

The initiative is expected to complement existing government programmes such as Feed Ghana and the 24-Hour Economy policy, both aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security.

The 2026 national budget has also made provision for the distribution of more than 272,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, alongside support for crop production and the cocoa sector.

Industry observers say the introduction of local fertiliser manufacturing could ease pressure on foreign exchange and improve supply stability for farmers.

Under the Public-Private Partnership model, Sentuo Group will finance, construct and operate the facilities, while introducing modern technologies and international expertise into Ghana’s agricultural value chain.

The project is also projected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across agro-processing, logistics and input distribution sectors.

MoFA will provide policy direction, coordination and regulatory oversight to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement.

Reaffirming government’s commitment, Mr Opoku said the partnership forms part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable and export-driven agricultural economy.

“With strategic partnerships like this, we are laying the foundation for a productive, export-driven agricultural sector capable of supporting Ghana’s long-term economic transformation,” he said.

Feasibility studies and preparatory regulatory work are expected to begin in the coming months as implementation moves forward.