Benso Oil Palm Plantation PLC (BOPP) has invested GHS 107 million in developing a 3,030-hectare smallholder and outgrower oil palm project. This significant capital outlay aims to bolster oil palm cultivation in Ghana. Of the developed land, 1,630 hectares have already reached maturity, with the remaining 1,400 hectares expected to mature by the end of 2026.
This investment supports 2,000 smallholder farmers through the Outgrower Value Chain Fund, a development agency providing funding for such projects. BOPP acts as a technical partner, offering essential expertise and guidance to these farmers over a three-year period. This initiative highlights BOPP's commitment to local agricultural development.
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, employing a large portion of the workforce. Investments like BOPP's in outgrower schemes are crucial for boosting rural incomes and food security. The expansion also aligns with Ghana's broader goal of reducing reliance on imported goods, particularly edible oils, which currently cost the country approximately US$200 million annually.
Dr. Alfred Mahamadu Braimah, Board Chairman of BOPP PLC, spoke about these developments in the company’s 2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements. The annual general meeting in Takoradi provided the platform for this disclosure. Dr. Braimah also reported that BOPP successfully retained its Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, a key industry standard for responsible production.
Despite challenges, BOPP’s financial performance in 2025 remained strong. The company experienced a 6% year-on-year revenue growth. Improved trading prices for palm oil and palm kernel oils drove this increase. However, profit after tax saw a 10% decline compared to the previous year, settling at GHS 84.224 million from GHS 92.983 million in 2024. This reduction was primarily due to increased operating costs.
Higher prices for Outgrower Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) contributed to rising industry costs. Increases in processing, labour, engineering, factory spares, and manufacturing overheads by 12% over 2024 also impacted profitability. Dr. Braimah attributed the company’s sustained performance to its focus on cost efficiency, strong policies, and effective risk management systems.
In 2025, BOPP processed 121,787 metric tonnes of FFB. The company injected GHS 72 million into communities in the Western and Central Regions by purchasing 33,343 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunches from smallholders. This demonstrates a significant local economic impact.
BOPP also made notable contributions through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The company invested GHS 720,000 in 2025 in scholarships, road improvement projects, and healthcare facilities. These efforts support education for needy students and children of employees, with 57 community students and 224 employees’ wards benefitting since the program began.
The company also commended the Government of Ghana for efforts to control illegal and grey imports of palm oil. Effective implementation of import controls could make local palm oil production more attractive. This would align with national objectives to increase local production and reduce import reliance. BOPP PLC also announced a final dividend payment of GHS 0.2420 per share, adding to an interim dividend of GHS 1.0627 per share.