The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has launched a national Organic Certification Scheme. This initiative allows Ghanaian farmers and agribusinesses to access premium international markets. It will help them benefit from the increasing global demand for organic products.
The scheme provides a trustworthy and internationally recognized framework for certifying organic produce. This move is expected to reduce Ghana's dependence on expensive foreign certification bodies. It will also encourage farming methods that are good for the environment.
This development fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy of diversifying exports and adding value to agricultural products. It aligns with efforts to improve food safety and quality standards nationwide. Ghana aims to enhance its competitiveness in global trade, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Professor George Agyei, Director-General of the GSA, stated that the scheme will support the production of safe and healthy food. It will encourage farming that avoids synthetic fertilisers and harmful pesticides. He highlighted that many Ghanaian farmers previously relied on external certification programs, costing thousands of dollars. This limited their access to profitable export markets.
The global organic market was valued at over $220 billion (approximately GHS 2.6 billion) in 2024. Projections indicate it will exceed $380 billion by 2030. This makes it a strategic sector for Ghana’s agricultural development. The new certification scheme will position Ghana as a major organic certification hub in West Africa. This will allow producers from neighbouring countries to gain certification recognised in European and American markets.
The GSA has introduced enhanced security features, including QR code technology, to verify the authenticity of certifications. Manufacturers and exporters who illegally use the GSA certification logo face prosecution. Products with fraudulent marks can be detected through advanced international testing systems.
Mrs. Eunice Agyeiwah Agyepong, Component Head of Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, noted a partnership with GSA began in 2022. This partnership aimed to develop Ghana’s first nationally managed organic certification scheme. The collaboration included developing standards, operational procedures, and capacity building for GSA personnel.
A joint learning visit by GSA and Invest for Jobs officials to India in 2025 provided practical insights. These insights helped shape Ghana's certification framework and strengthen institutional capacity. Mrs. Agyepong expressed confidence that the scheme will boost regional trade under the AfCFTA. It will also establish Ghana as a credible supplier of high-quality organic products.
The GSA has set up the necessary laboratory infrastructure and is finalizing implementation processes for the scheme. This move is expected to have significant implications for Ghana's agricultural export earnings. It will open new income streams for farmers and strengthen the country's brand as a producer of quality organic goods.