"Ghana is fast approaching to take an advanced place among the leading origins of sweet potatoes." So says Dr Felix Kamassah, managing director of Maphlix Trust Ghana.
"We have the advantage of year-round production on a vast acreage. If we've been behind so far, it's because of the irrigation challenge when rainfall is insufficient. However, we have made great progress in installing irrigation equipment." Kamassah continues.
According to the grower, the national sweet potato acreage in Ghana will increase to 4,000 hectares as of this year. "At Maphlix, we're behind 3,000 hectares or 75% of sweet potato production in Ghana."
"The increase in acreage allows us to grow 500 thousand tons of sweet potatoes already this season," Kamassah adds.
To stand up to Africa's sweet potato export giants like Egypt, Ghana relies on its longer seasonality, competitive prices, and smooth logistics, according to Kamassah. He says, "We deliver to Europe in just 12 days. There is indeed some congestion from July onwards when other products such as bananas and yams have to be exported in large volumes. But we are in discussions with the government and shipping companies to introduce new lines."
"The prospects are promising, we're already seeing interesting demand for our sweet potatoes from countries like the UK and the Netherlands, as well as the USA," Kamassah adds.
Maphlix Trust Ghana will be exhibiting at Fruit Logistica, in hall 25 booth C-03.
For more information:
Dr Felix Kamassah
Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited
Tel: +233244196228 / +233200664085
Email: Info@maphlixtrust.com / Felix.kamassah@maphlixtrust.com / Kamassah5@yahoo.com
www.maphlixtrust.com
www.linkedin.com/in/dr-felix-mawuli-kamassah-839936240/