The Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, has commended the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Osei Okrah, for choosing Mampong in the Ashanti Region to launch a nationwide agricultural input support programme for tree crop farmers.
He said the initiative had the potential to transform tree crop farming, improve the livelihoods of farmers and create new opportunities for commercial agriculture and agro-processing in the Mampong area.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III made the remarks when he joined Dr Andy Osei Okrah to officially launch and hand over agricultural inputs to tree crop farmers at Dufie Park in Mampong.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda under President John Dramani Mahama and is aimed at improving productivity, increasing farmer incomes, promoting sustainable production and strengthening value addition across Ghana’s tree crops sector.
Under the programme, farmers will receive essential inputs and equipment, including Wellington boots, motorbikes, tricycles, raincoats, pesticides, weedicides, cutlasses, reflector vests, headlamps, spraying machines and hand gloves. Beneficiary farmers will also receive quality seedlings of cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea for the planting season.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Andy Osei Okrah stressed that Ghana must move beyond simply increasing production to building competitive tree crop value chains that extend from farm-level production to processing, manufacturing, branding and access to higher-value markets.
He said access to quality inputs, improved planting materials, appropriate technology, extension services and reliable markets would enable farmers to increase productivity and incomes while contributing more significantly to the country’s economic development.
The Mamponghene pledged the support of the traditional authorities in making suitable land available for demonstration farms, commercial plantations and modern processing facilities. He said Mampong’s extensive agricultural lands could support at least five of the six strategic tree crops regulated by the TCDA.
According to him, the availability of land, coupled with increased investment in tree crop production, could position Mampong as a major centre for commercial agriculture, agro-processing and industrialisation, while creating employment and wealth for residents.
The ceremony brought together key dignitaries and stakeholders, including Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Mamponghene and Guest of Honour; TCDA Board Chairman, Professor William Oduro; and Hon. Issifu Yakubu, MCE for Mampong Municipal Assembly. The TCDA said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to build a productive, resilient and competitive tree crops sector capable of creating jobs, improving farmer incomes and retaining greater value within Ghana’s economy.
