The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson (MP), on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, received a delegation from the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) led by its Secretary-General, Madam Izzana Salleh. The courtesy call formed part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and the Council.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister noted that palm oil remains one of Ghana’s major commodities and emphasized that modernization of agricultural practices would improve yields in the palm plantation sector, create employment, and potentially elevate palm oil into a major cash crop comparable to cocoa. He underscored the need for Ghana to deepen its collaboration with CPOPC.
Madam Salleh highlighted the mandate of CPOPC in promoting the collective interests of palm oil producing countries, including advocacy on sustainability, engagement with global institutions, and protection of smallholder farmers. She noted that Ghana has been an observer of the Council since 2020 and pointed to the experiences of Malaysia and Indonesia, where palm oil contributes significantly to GDP, creates employment, and improves rural livelihoods.
Present at the meeting were Ghana’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Mrs. Florence Akonor; Chargé d’Affaires of the Malaysian High Commission in Ghana, Mr. Antonius Yudi Triantoro; officials from CPOPC; and Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting concluded with assurances from both sides of continuous collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s palm oil sector.
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