Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Sesame seed in Ghana is positioned as a non-traditional export crop in the northern savannah belt, with Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Upper East Region listing sesame among non-traditional export crops. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Ghana exported sesame seeds (HS 120740) in 2023, mainly to Japan, with smaller exports to the United States, Turkey, China and the United Arab Emirates. A Parliamentary statement (14 Nov 2025) highlights smallholder-based production centered in the Chereponi area (North East Region) and cites constraints including low productivity, weak drying/storage practices, poor road access and middlemen-driven pricing. For market access, exporters typically need customs export declarations and plant-quarantine phytosanitary certification; food-safety expectations for seeds include Salmonella controls highlighted in Codex guidance for low-moisture foods.
Market RoleSmall-scale producer and exporter (non-traditional export crop)
Domestic RolePrimarily a cash crop for export; low domestic consumption and limited consumer awareness are reported in Parliamentary discussion.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Drying and storage discipline are critical to meeting buyer quality expectations; Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025) flags inadequate drying and improper storage as a major quality constraint in Ghana’s sesame value chain.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Smallholder production in northern regions → harvest → drying → aggregation/trading → storage → export documentation and customs processing → shipment to overseas buyers
Shelf Life- Quality and usable shelf life are highly sensitive to moisture ingress and poor storage; improper storage is cited as a source of losses and reduced competitiveness in Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025).
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighSalmonella contamination risk in sesame seeds (a low-moisture food) can trigger border rejection, recalls, or severe buyer de-listing; Codex CXC 75-2015 flags Salmonella as a primary hazard for seeds for consumption including sesame.Implement Codex-aligned hygienic practices for low-moisture foods, supplier/lot testing and environmental monitoring; maintain lot-level traceability for rapid containment if a positive is detected.
Logistics MediumInland logistics constraints in key producing areas can disrupt aggregation and raise costs; Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025) cites poor road networks around Chereponi and challenges moving product to market.Contract consolidation points with controlled storage closer to main transport corridors; plan collection schedules and buffer time for seasonal road deterioration.
Quality MediumPost-harvest drying and storage weaknesses can cause quality downgrades and losses; Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025) explicitly cites inadequate drying, improper storage and limited quality standards as competitiveness constraints.Set moisture/cleanliness acceptance specs in supplier contracts, require documented drying/storage practices, and use pre-shipment inspection/cleaning before export.
Market MediumPrice volatility is reported as a constraint for Ghana’s sesame sector in Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025), creating procurement and supply planning uncertainty.Use forward contracts or price bands with suppliers where feasible; diversify buyer base and stagger procurement to reduce exposure to spot price swings.
Sustainability- Rainfall variability and drought exposure in Northern Ghana’s dryland savannah can create supply volatility; sesame is promoted as drought-tolerant but remains weather-sensitive at the farm level.
Labor & Social- Smallholder market power and pricing transparency risk: Parliamentary discussion (14 Nov 2025) highlights the influence of intermediaries/middlemen and the absence of fixed pricing as constraints for sesame farmers.
FAQ
Where did Ghana export sesame seeds to in 2023?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal reports Ghana’s 2023 sesame seed (HS 120740) exports went mainly to Japan, with smaller exports to the United States, Turkey, China and the United Arab Emirates.
Which Ghana authority is responsible for phytosanitary certification for exported plant products?MoFA’s Plant Protection & Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) Plant Quarantine Division states it issues phytosanitary certificates for exports of agricultural produce.
What is a critical food-safety hazard buyers focus on for sesame seeds?Codex’s Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods (CXC 75-2015) highlights Salmonella as a primary pathogen of concern for seeds for consumption, including sesame seeds and sesame seed paste, so buyers commonly scrutinize hygienic controls and testing.