This Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) aims to assess Ghana's capacity to meet microbial safety, pesticide residue and mycotoxin requirements in the chili pepper and ginger value chains. The main objective is to identify capacity constraints and make recommendations on how to address them. Additionally, the PPG offers the opportunity to identify other challenges in the pepper and ginger value chains related to regulations, compliance, infrastructure, awareness raising, trade facilitation, technical assistance and capacity building needs.

Agriculture accounts for 54% of Ghana's Gross Domestic Product and 40% of its export earnings. The spice and condiment sub-sectors in Ghana have the potential to create job opportunities and diversify the country's agricultural exports beyond cocoa and cashew. However, the spice export industry faces challenges meeting Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements. Prioritizing food safety through safe crop production, phytosanitary compliance, and proper post-harvest management is crucial for the development of the spice value chain.

Addressing SPS-related constraints in Ghana's spice and condiments sub-sector will boost market access, enhance Ghanaian producers' ability to sell products at higher prices, and ultimately lead to increased incomes and improved living standards for those involved in the ginger and chili pepper value chains.