The Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG) is set to host its 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, the financial sector, and the development community. The conference, scheduled for November 7 and 8, 2026, will explore investment opportunities and chart a sustainable future for Ghana's oil palm industry. The event will provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to examine challenges, identify new investment opportunities, and strengthen collaboration.
The conference theme, "Transforming Ghana's Oil Palm Industry: Unlocking the US$500 Million Investment Opportunity for Entrepreneurship, Women's Empowerment, Smallholder Prosperity and Sustainable Growth," reflects OPDAG's commitment to positioning the oil palm industry as a major driver of entrepreneurship, employment creation, rural development, and economic growth. The US$500 million investment opportunity underscores the potential for significant capital mobilisation across the oil palm value chain.
Industry stakeholders will explore practical ways of attracting investment, improving access to finance, and creating an enabling environment for both local and international investors. The conference will also focus on strengthening the participation of smallholder farmers, women, and young entrepreneurs, recognising their importance to the growth and sustainability of the sector. Smallholder farmers will have the opportunity to improve access to quality planting materials, modern farming techniques, markets, and sustainable financing.
The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and institutional representatives, including Daasebre Nana Otuo Siriboe II, OPDAG Chairman of the Council of Patrons and Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area. Other speakers include Mr Paul Amaning, President of OPDAG; Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA); and Mr Abdulai Musah Idrissu, Chief Revenue Officer of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The participation of these institutions and industry leaders is expected to provide valuable perspectives on regulation, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the development of a stronger oil palm value chain. Their contributions will help identify practical solutions to the challenges facing the industry and opportunities for greater cooperation between the public and private sectors.
A major focus of the conference will be the need to ensure that the benefits of industry growth are shared across the value chain. Smallholder farmers remain an important part of Ghana's oil palm production system, while women play significant roles in processing, trading, and other related activities. The conference will promote approaches that improve access to finance, enhance productivity, and create opportunities for small businesses to participate more meaningfully in the industry.
The two-day programme will take place in Accra, with the first day at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel and the second day at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The conference will provide opportunities for stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, and discussions on the policies, partnerships, and investments required to transform Ghana's oil palm industry.
Key points
- OPDAG aims to attract US$500m investment in Ghana's oil palm industry through its 2026 annual conference.
- The conference will focus on entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, smallholder prosperity, and sustainable growth in the oil palm industry.
- Stakeholders will discuss practical ways to attract investment, improve access to finance, and create an enabling environment for investors.
