In a world where convenience often comes at the expense of nutrition, Sandra Asantewaa Boafo Agyiri, CEO and founder of Nana Papa Ltd , is redefining how Ghanaians access indigenous foods. Her company specializes in processing local crops into frozen, nutrient-packed products, making it easier for people to enjoy traditional foods without the long preparation times.
From Development Work to Agro-Processing Entrepreneur
Sandra’s journey began in international development, where she witnessed large sums of money allocated to development projects that had little impact on the ground. A road trip to Ghana’s Upper West Region opened her eyes to the central role agriculture played in people’s daily lives. Living among local farmers and observing their practices, she realized the potential for improving livelihoods and creating value through agro-processing.
This experience led her to co-found Agrica, an organization focused on training farmers in good agronomic practices. Through this work, she discovered the untapped potential of indigenous crops—foods that were nutritious, widely consumed locally, but largely absent from global markets. Sandra identified yams and cocoam leaves as key products that could be processed to meet modern demands for convenience and nutrition.
Focus on Convenience Without Compromising Quality
Nana Papa Ltd initially focused on frozen products, recognizing that freezing is one of the best ways to preserve nutrients while offering convenience. “It’s still the same yam you would buy and eat fresh. It still cooks the same way,” Sandra explains. The company offers frozen yam chips, yam slices, cocoa leaves, and ready-to-use packs of traditional dishes, all designed to be versatile and convenient for everyday cooking.
Overcoming Challenges in Local Distribution
Introducing frozen indigenous foods to the Ghanaian market was not without challenges. “The first hurdle was a mindset shift,” Sandra shares. Many consumers were accustomed to eating fresh produce and were hesitant to try frozen alternatives. Education about the nutritional value and convenience of frozen products became essential.
Distribution also posed difficulties, as local logistics for frozen foods are limited. Unlike imported frozen vegetables, locally processed frozen foods lack robust distribution networks, requiring Nanapa Limited to invest heavily in cold-chain logistics.
Quality Assurance Through Farmer Partnerships
Ensuring consistent quality starts with careful selection of farmers. For cocoam leaves, Nana Papa Ltd works with farmers who avoid pesticides and use natural mulching methods, ensuring the leaves remain nutritious and chemical-free. These partnerships enable year-round supply of high-quality raw materials, giving consumers a product superior to what is typically found in local markets.
Support from Government and the Private Sector
While there are efforts to support agro-processing businesses, Sandra believes more can be done, particularly in machinery and equipment. Most processing machines are imported, making them expensive. Local manufacturers exist but are under-resourced. Incentives to reduce import duties on agro-processing equipment could make a significant difference in expanding value addition in Ghana.
Looking Beyond Borders
Nana Papa Ltd has plans to export its products, targeting West Africa first due to regional familiarity with yams and cocoam leaves, before expanding to markets in the US, UK, and Canada, particularly within African and Caribbean communities.
Advice for Aspiring Agro-Processors
Sandra encourages young entrepreneurs to study the environment, understand the product, and explore available programs for funding. Agro-processing is capital-intensive but offers immense opportunities to add value to raw materials and support local farmers. Her advice is simple: “Go all out, but know exactly what you want to do in this space.”
Conclusion
Sandra, is proof that innovation in agro-processing can blend tradition with modern convenience. Through Nana Papa Ltd she is not only creating business opportunities but also making indigenous Ghanaian foods accessible, nutritious, and relevant for today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Her journey highlights the transformative power of vision, resilience, and commitment to quality in building a sustainable agro-processing industry.
