Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, employing more than a third of the workforce and contributing significantly about 21.4 per cent to national gross domestic product (GDP), according to recent statistics from the World Bank.
From cocoa—the country’s most celebrated cash crop—to staples such as maize, cassava, and rice, the sector not only drives food security but also sustains millions of rural households.
With mounting concerns over climate change, increasing effect of illegal mining, land degradation, and responsible resource use, Ghana’s agricultural future hinges on embracing sustainability—adopting practices that protect the environment, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term resilience.
The globally recognised, world leading Sustainability Organisation, the World Sustainability Organisation (WSO) has presence in over 70 countries, with over 1,000 companies certified, and certifications represented on over 3,000 products globally.
International standard
Through its Friend of the Earth programme, WSO has introduced the Sustainable Agriculture Certification a powerful tool for producers and exporters to prove compliance with international standards while protecting ecosystems and improving farmer livelihoods.
The introduction of Sustainable Agriculture Certification follows WSO and Fort Group’s successful rollouts of sustainable hotels and resorts, restaurants, fashion, mining, and chocolate certifications in Ghana.
The initiative seeks to address one of the country’s most strategic sectors — food exports and natural products.
By embracing eco-friendly practices, investing in green innovations, and meeting rising global demand for responsibly sourced products, Ghana can strengthen its agricultural resilience while positioning itself as a leader in ethical trade.
The Sustainable Agriculture certification ensures that farms and processors meet requirements on world class standards on biodiversity conservation, soil and water management practices that support long-term productivity, safe agrochemical use and waste reduction among others.
Flexible standard
Unlike crop-specific schemes, WSO’s certification offers a flexible standard that applies to multiple commodities. This makes it particularly attractive for Ghana, where smallholders often cultivate several crops — such as cashew and mango — alongside cocoa.
Adopting the certification will bring multiple benefits to Ghanaian agricultural producers and exporters, enhancing market access in the EU and beyond, Premium positioning for Ghanaian brands in global markets, improved climate resilience and farmer incomes, and increased visibility through WSO’s global sustainability network.
As Ghana diversifies its export portfolio beyond raw cocoa, the adoption of Sustainable Agriculture Certification would help position the country as a hub for green, ethical, and traceable agricultural products on the global stage.