Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the food processing sector are being encouraged to make food safety a strategic priority to ensure business sustainability and growth.

This call was made by Dr. Roseline Esi Amoah, Chief Scientific Officer at the Ghana Standards Authority, during the second day of the Agribusiness Launchpad and Accelerator Programme organized by Impact Food Hub in Accra.

Dr. Amoah underscored that food safety should not be viewed solely as a compliance issue but as a core business strategy. She noted that many MSMEs struggle to access markets due to poor hygiene and inadequate quality control practices, stressing the need to adopt best practices and adhere to established food safety standards.

“We want the people who are producing our food to ensure that they are using the right ingredients, sourcing raw materials responsibly, and maintaining proper hygiene. Good manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance are crucial,” she said.

Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Food Hub, also highlighted the importance of building systems that support food safety certification.

“If you’re entering agribusiness, you should aim to meet quality standards from the outset. Put the right measures in place so that when you apply for certifications like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) or Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), you’re fully prepared,” she advised.

Participants in the programme shared valuable takeaways and expressed renewed commitment to improving their operations.

“I’m going to approach equipment and machinery differently now and ensure I meet all regulatory protocols,” a participant Clarissa Akakpo said. “A key insight for me was traceability—knowing exactly where we source our supplies. I don’t farm; I buy from farmers, so I need stronger relationships with my suppliers to understand their processes.”

Another participant, Victoria Dzigbordi, shared: “This programme is helping provide structure to our operations, starting from the farm gate to the processing house. It’s been very informative.”

The event continues to highlight the critical role of food safety in unlocking market opportunities and driving the long-term success of agribusinesses in Ghana.