Mango exports from Ghana to Europe have broken the 1,000-tonne mark for the first time, according to a new report by the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), which has attributed the growth to greater private enterprise investment in growers.
In what marks a near ten-fold increase in just four years, exports to Europe reached 1,071 tonnes in 2007, up from just 366 tonnes during the previous year. 'Clearly the industry in Ghana is beginning to reap the benefits of a major strategic decision not to rely exclusively on the favourable natural conditions the country enjoys,' a FAGE statement said.
In addition, the country's Ministry of Food and Agriculture has worked with privately owned nursery operators to maintain fruit quality levels, while major mango packhouse investments are being made by private firms.
