Already much has been achieved with the value of horticultural sendings having jumped 20 per cent since 2000 alone to stand at $33.6 million in 2002.

As Edward Collins Boateng of the Ghana Export Promotion Council told the Journal prospects appear brighter than for some time: 'Government reforms and initiatives are providing new impetus to non-traditional exports, especially within the fresh produce sector. Emphasis in particular is being placed on high-value lines, many of which can be supplied on a year-round basis.' Pineapples have undoubtedly been the biggest success with exports now worth over $15.6m annually - virtually double that of the late 1990s. Yams have been another winner, valued at U$8.7m in 2002 against $4.8m in 1998.

Opportunities for expansion are also seen with cassava, sweet potatoes, chillies, ginger, mangoes, papaya and organics. Appiah Donyina, trade counsellor at the Ghana High Commission, added: 'New investment in modern pre-and-post harvest facilities combined with moves towards larger scale production are bolstering production, self sufficiency and exports. Additional strength is coming from stronger focus on sea freight capability.'

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