Israel supports Ghana to lead sustainable honey exports

Ghana is poised to become a regional powerhouse in honey production and export, as Israel pledges support through technology, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to boost productivity.

Ghana’s rich biodiversity, diverse flora—including mango, cocoa, cashew, and orange farms—and favourable climate provide abundant nectar sources, positioning the country for entry into the US$5 billion global honey market.

“Ghana, with its rich biodiversity, and favourable climate, has all the natural ingredients to become a regional powerhouse in honey production. Potential alone is not enough. That’s why we’re here to bring together, experience, expertise, and opportunity,” said Mr. Aviel Avraham, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

He was addressing stakeholders at a forum on Thursday, May 29, in Accra.

The event was organised by the Israel Economic and Trade Mission to Ghana and the National Beekeepers Association of Ghana (NATBA), under the theme “Enhancing Ghana’s Honey Industry through Israel Agri-Tech Innovations.”

Mr. Avraham noted that Israel had advanced in agri-tech and beekeeping through its “innovate to survive, collaborate to thrive” strategy, developing technologies such as bee stimulants, AI-powered robotic pollinators, pollinator monitors, and post-harvest processing techniques.

These innovations, he said, would be shared with Ghana through exchange programmes and capacity building to increase honey yields and ensure access to European and North American markets.

He urged beekeepers and industry stakeholders to deepen collaboration “to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s honey industry – not just for economic growth but for the wellbeing of communities and the health of our environment.”

Mr. Richard Okoe, President of NATBA, emphasised the role of beekeeping in rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and agricultural productivity through pollination.

He, however, identified key challenges, including outdated practices, limited access to modern technology, weak post-harvest handling, inadequate training, and the lack of recognised certification for international markets.

Mr. Okoe appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, and the Tree Crop Development Authority to formulate and enforce appropriate policies to support the sector.

“With the right investments, policies and technological advancements, Ghana can become a leader in sustainable honey production and exports,” he said.

GNA