Organizers of the International Coconut Festival in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotions Authority, GEPA, have unveiled hip-life artistes Okyeame Kwame and Kofi Kinaata as ambassadors of the maiden event scheduled for 24th to 26th September 2019 in Accra.
Addressing the media during the launch of the festival in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Akua Asabea Asare, called on Ghanaians to pay attention to coconut as a cash crop with several benefits as well as an avenue for job creation.
She said the economic benefits of coconut cultivation cannot be overemphasized, as Ghana stands to gain significantly in terms of foreign exchange from the export of assorted products to other countries.
“This festival will be the first of its kind in Africa and it will attract a lot of visitors to Ghana.”
“GEPA will use the platform to expound the importance of the export of coconut, and we hope to get the attention of others to come on board.”
The President of Africa Coconut Group, Davies Korboe, in explaining the choice of the two artistes, said Okyeame Kwame was selected for his efforts in promoting ‘Made in Ghana’ products, while Kofi Kinaata; was picked for being one of the most influential young artistes from Ghana’s Western Region, which is a hub for Ghana’s coconut industry.
The two musicians lauded GEPA for supporting the initiative, and pledged to use their music to promote coconut cultivation across the country.
The first International Coconut Festival at the Accra International Conference Centre, will bring together exhibitors as well as major players in agriculture and industry for the launch of the annual ‘National Coconut Day’, as well as a tour of the Western Region to access the potential of the coconut business.