BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The Executive Secretary of Green Label Ghana Foundation, Mr. Anthony Tamakloe, has urged players in the horticulture industry to maintain accurate records of operational and financial transactions in order to secure grants and loans from financial institutions.
Mr. Tamakloe emphasized that the key to obtaining loans and grants from any financial institution is through proper record-keeping, which serves as a guide to assess the lender’s eligibility criteria. He made these remarks during a Horticulture workshop held as part of the Volta Trade and Investment, with the theme “Leveraging Horticulture to Access the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”
The workshop convened farmers’ groups, individuals, and organizations to discuss the opportunities presented by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. Mr. Tamakloe appealed to all participants to maintain transparency with financial institutions supporting their businesses.
Additionally, he encouraged farmers to seek financial assistance from commercial banks offering moderate interest rates and explore other sources such as USAID – Ghana Trade and Investment and USAID Africa Trade and Investment grants.
Mr. Abdul-Ramakrishna Adama, the Operations Manager of Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited, highlighted the immense export potential of horticultural produce from Ghana to the European Union and other markets. Abdul Razak Adama emphasized the favorable climate conditions in Ghana, facilitating year-round production of fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, and vegetables.
Mr. Adama called for stringent measures to improve transportation, storage facilities, and cold chain management to maintain product freshness during transit.
Mr. Fred Avornyo, Chief Operating Officer of Volta, stated that the horticulture workshop aimed to educate farmers and farmer groups about the prospects in the horticulture industry. He also emphasized the importance of joining horticulture business platforms to facilitate the easy transport of their products into the European market.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com