Maxwell Commey, the Chief Executive Officer for Oro Oil Ghana Limited and Board Member of Tree Crop Development Authority of Ghana has described the demand for oil palm in Nigeria alone is vast enough to create employment opportunities for millions of Ghanaian youth should government establish the enabling environment for the private sector to expand their operations
He noted that the export of oil palm to African countries such as Nigeria has the potential to address the unemployment challenges in Ghana while mitigating environmental degradation.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Commey highlighted the untapped potential of oil palm as sustainable alternative to destructive mining practices.
“We are destroying our nature with the aim of looking for gold underground, but there is gold on the surface – oil-palm that does not harm nature,” he stated.
Mr. Commey added that “oil palm is invaluable, noting its wide range of uses, including food, soap, and even fuel for plants and vehicles.
Ghana currently consumes 440,000 to 450,000 metric tons annually but produce only 340,000 to 380,000 metric tons, creating a shortfall that leads to imports that puts pressure on the local currency.
“Every developed country produces and consume what they grow. If we aim to build the economy, we must prioritize the local production over excessive reliance on imports,” Mr. Commey stressed.
As the largest exporter of palm oil in Ghana, Oro Oil Ghana struggles to meet both local and international demands.
“We export to Nigeria, and we cannot meet the market’s demands. Government’s support is crucial to enhance farming policies and production”, he said.
Mr. Commey called for greater involvement of farmers in policy-making, criticizing the current trend of politicizing agriculture.
“Farmers should be included on boards to provide inputs on decisions that directly affect them. Policies should reflect the interest of farmers and industry players, rather than being driven by political agendas”.
Regarding employment, Mr. Commey noted that his company employs over 300 workers and could hire more if provided with the right environment.
“Unemployment is not solved by the government alone. The government’s role is to creates an enabling environment for the private sector to generate jobs. In Ghana, employment discussions have been politicized, but with proper government support, the private sector can create massive employment opportunities”.
Mr. Commey emphasized the importance of engaging the youth in agriculture. “Farming has been unattractive to the youth because of politicization farming. Policies must motivate young people to see agriculture as viable career. If government collaborate with us, we can mentor the youth to become self-employed through sustainable farming practice”, he said.
He lamented on the exodus of young people to cities in search for non-existent jobs, leaving farming to the elderly in the village.
“If fresh graduates are encouraged to work in palm nut plantation, we can employ many of them in planting, harvesting, and processing”.
He criticized initiative such as “Planting for Food and Jobs” for their short-term nature, advocating for sustainable employment policies instead.
“We need long-term, impactful solution, not programs with an expiration date that yield minimal results”.
Mr. Commey urged the youth to take initiative and build their future independently of political promises.
Start small and grow gradually. Stop moving from office to office with your CVs and become your own managers”, he advised.
On trust, Mr. Commey shared his experience with a Nigeria investor who supported his company without requesting for a collateral or legal documentation. “He trusted me for my honesty and hard work. That trust has been the key to our success. Certificate does not guarantee success. Integrity and diligent do”, he remarked.
Mr. Commey called for the inclusion of industry experts and farmers in decision-making process to develop agriculture and reduce unemployment effectively.
“Collaborate with those who understand the industry will lead to impactful policies and sustainable growth for the nation”, he concluded.
