ofi Ghana Limited Receives Outstanding Agribusiness Award in Gold Category at President’s National Export Awards

Published: December 19, 2025 | Source: Life Pulse Daily via myjoyonline.com

Introduction

In a significant recognition of its contributions to Ghana’s economy, Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) Ghana Limited has been honored with the prestigious Outstanding Agribusiness Award in the Gold Category at the 33rd & 34th President’s National Awards for Export Achievement. This accolade highlights the company’s exceptional performance in the cashew export sector and its vital role in strengthening Ghana’s agricultural value chain. The award not only celebrates ofi’s operational excellence but also underscores the strategic importance of non-traditional exports (NTEs) for national economic resilience. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the award, the company’s impact, the event’s significance, and the broader implications for Ghana’s export economy.

Key Points

Background

To fully appreciate the significance of this award, it is essential to understand the key players and the context.

Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) Ghana Limited

ofi Ghana is a multifaceted agribusiness powerhouse with a unique footprint in the country. It operates as a key exporter of cashews and is a Licensed Buying Company (LBC) in Ghana’s cocoa sector. Notably, it is the sole cocoa processing facility located in the Northern Sector of Ghana, making it a critical player in bringing value-added processing closer to the source of production. This integrated approach allows ofi to support multiple agricultural value chains, from sourcing raw materials to exporting finished or semi-finished goods.

The President’s National Awards for Export Achievement

Established in 1989, the President’s National Awards for Export Achievement is one of Ghana’s most esteemed honors for businesses. It is designed to recognize and reward companies that demonstrate excellence in export trade, promote high-quality Ghanaian products, and make substantial contributions to the growth of the nation’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs). By celebrating these exporters, the awards aim to foster a competitive spirit and encourage more businesses to explore international markets, thereby diversifying the country’s revenue streams.

The Organizer: Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is the government agency mandated to develop and promote exports in Ghana. Its core mission is to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings by facilitating the growth of non-traditional exports. GEPA organizes the President’s National Awards as part of its strategy to provide visibility to successful exporters, create role models for other businesses, and advocate for policies that support a robust export economy.

Analysis

The award to ofi Ghana is more than a corporate achievement; it is a microcosm of Ghana’s broader economic strategy and the critical role of agribusiness in its execution.

Strategic Importance of Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs)

Ghana’s economy has historically been reliant on the export of primary commodities such as gold, cocoa beans, and crude oil. While these are major revenue generators, they are subject to volatile global price fluctuations and are finite resources. In his keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama explicitly highlighted this vulnerability, stating that a sustainable economic future must look beyond extractives. This is where NTEs become crucial. NTEs, which include processed foods, cashews, handicrafts, and horticultural products, offer a pathway to economic diversification. They create more stable and sustainable revenue streams, build industrial capacity, and are less susceptible to the boom-and-bust cycles of single-commodity markets. ofi’s success in cashew exports is a perfect example of this strategy in action.

The Cashew Value Chain as an Economic Driver

Cashew production is a powerful engine for rural development and poverty alleviation. Unlike extractive industries, which are capital-intensive and often geographically concentrated, the cashew value chain involves thousands of smallholder farmers. ofi’s role as a major exporter helps to formalize this chain. By providing farmers with access to markets, technical support, and fair pricing, the company directly contributes to livelihood improvement. Furthermore, by processing cocoa in the Northern Sector, ofi helps to decentralize industrial activity, creating jobs and stimulating local economies in regions that have traditionally been less developed. This approach aligns perfectly with the theme of building a “resilient export economy,” as resilience is built on a broad base of empowered producers and decentralized processing, not just a few large mines or oil fields.

Corporate Responsibility and Shared Value

The statements from ofi’s leadership are instructive. Raphael Yussif Amankwa, General Manager of the cashew business, and Eric Asare Botwe, Country Head, both emphasized collaboration, farmer support, and creating sustainable livelihoods. This is not just corporate rhetoric. In the modern agribusiness landscape, long-term success is intrinsically linked to the health of the supply chain. Companies that invest in their farmers—providing training on sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring fair trade principles, and supporting community development—are more likely to secure a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials. This model of “shared value,” where business success and community development go hand-in-hand, is fundamental to building a truly resilient and inclusive export economy.

Practical Advice

The success of ofi Ghana offers valuable lessons for other businesses and stakeholders in Ghana’s export sector.

For Aspiring Exporters and Agribusinesses

• Focus on Value Addition: Instead of just exporting raw commodities, focus on processing. This captures more value within the country and makes your product more competitive on the global market.
• Build Strong Value Chain Partnerships: Your success depends on your suppliers (farmers). Invest in them through training, fair pricing, and long-term contracts. A strong, reliable supply chain is your greatest asset.
• Adhere to International Quality Standards: Global markets are demanding. Meeting international standards for quality, safety, and sustainability (like Fairtrade or organic certifications) is non-negotiable for accessing premium markets and prices.
• Leverage Support from GEPA: The Ghana Export Promotion Authority offers a range of support services, including market intelligence, trade fair participation, and export training. Engage with them to de-risk your export journey.

For Farmers and Cooperatives

• Embrace Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Consistently producing high-quality raw materials is key to attracting and retaining buyers like ofi. This involves proper harvesting, drying, and post-harvest handling techniques.
• Form or Join Cooperatives: Cooperatives give farmers greater bargaining power, facilitate access to inputs and credit, and enable them to meet the volume and quality requirements of large exporters.
• Seek Certification: Explore opportunities for group certification for organic or fair-trade standards, which can open up access to niche, high-value markets.

FAQ

Conclusion

The awarding of the Gold Prize to ofi Ghana Limited at the President’s National Export Awards is a powerful affirmation of a business model that prioritizes value addition, sustainability, and inclusive growth. It serves as a clear signal that Ghana’s future economic prosperity will be increasingly built on the strength of its agribusiness sector and the competitiveness of its non-traditional exports. The celebration of ofi’s success provides a compelling blueprint for other enterprises: that by building robust value chains, investing in local producers, and adhering to global standards, Ghanaian companies can not only thrive internationally but also become powerful agents of national development and economic resilience.

Sources

• myjoyonline.com – Original news report.
• Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) – Information on the National Export Awards and GEPA’s mandate.
• Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) – Corporate information on ofi’s operations and sustainability commitments.
• Public statements from the Office of the President of Ghana regarding the 33rd & 34th National Awards.