The project team from GPSCP II proudly participated in the 9th Regional Meeting of the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI) held in Accra. This event was organized by our Program’s implementing partner, Proforest, and facilitated by our Strategic Cooperation Partnership Expert, Afua Prempeh. The landmark event brought together representatives from ten West and Central African countries to reaffirm their dedication to sustainable and inclusive agricultural production.

ASCI serves as a pan-African platform built on a shared set of principles for the responsible production of agricultural commodities. It promotes forest protection, good governance, and transparency while ensuring that farmers, local communities, and marginalized groups benefit from agricultural value chains—particularly as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) begins to reshape market requirements.

This year’s regional meeting focused on developing new strategies and partnerships to empower smallholder farmers against economic and environmental shocks and to align national frameworks with the EUDR, ensuring African commodities remain competitive and sustainable in global markets.

We were honored by the presence of Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, who was the Keynote speaker and he underscored the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and regional collaboration.

The Program’s Value Chain and Business Development Expert, Stephen Debre, also played a key role by moderating a session on Responsible Investment and Implications for Smallholder Development and International Trade in Oil Palm Products.

Our participation reflects GPSCP II’s ongoing commitment to driving sustainability, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting farmer-centered development across the region.

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