Fidelity Bank Ghana urges value-chain financing for agricultural self-reliance

Fidelity Bank Ghana has advocated for increased financing across the entire agricultural value chain to enhance the nation's economic self-reliance. Speaking at the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026, the bank emphasized that achieving agricultural sovereignty requires more than just increasing production; it necessitates greater investment in aggregation, processing, packaging, logistics, and quality standards.

To illustrate the economic disparity, John-Paul Taabavi, Divisional Director for Corporate and Institutional Banking, noted that in 2025, Ghana’s non-traditional agricultural exports totaled approximately US$710 million, whereas cocoa paste alone generated roughly US$789 million. Taabavi stated that the difference in value lies in what occurs after the harvest, suggesting that controlling more of the value-added processes would keep more income within the domestic economy.

While Ghana’s non-traditional exports reached US$5 billion in 2025 and reached 152 countries, the bank identified critical gaps between production and the final market. These include needs for cold storage, dependable energy supplies, certification, and suitable financing to bridge the gap from farm to consumer.