Accra – The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has intensified its engagement with key stakeholders in the cashew value chain to reposition the industry as one of Ghana’s top export earners. The Authority says strong partnerships and coordinated action are essential to unlocking the full economic potential of the cashew sector.
The TCDA, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Okrah, has embarked on a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at harmonizing stakeholder efforts across the cashew-producing regions. The initiative forms part of broader reforms to ensure sustainable growth, fair trade practices, and increased local value addition.
Cashew production currently supports thousands of livelihoods, particularly across the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Northern Regions, where farmers depend heavily on the crop for income. The Authority is therefore working to streamline activities from cultivation to export through improved regulation, research, and private-sector participation.
According to the TCDA, collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) remains central to the program. MoFA is expected to provide technical expertise, extension services, and policy guidance to align cashew development with national agricultural priorities and food security goals.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is also playing a critical role by strengthening market access and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ghana’s cashew products. GEPA’s support in international promotion and certification will ensure better branding and increased foreign exchange earnings.
Equally vital is the involvement of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), which ensures that Ghanaian cashew products meet strict international quality standards. This regulatory role, the TCDA noted, is key to positioning Ghana’s cashew as a preferred brand in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) continues to oversee exports, ensuring compliance with trade regulations and curbing illegal shipments. This oversight not only promotes transparency but also protects government revenue.
Research institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute (CRI) and the Forestry Research Institute (FORIG) are contributing through studies on improved planting materials, pest control, and efficient processing methods. Their findings will guide farmers toward higher productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Okrah emphasized that the sensitization exercise, which begins this week, will cover several districts across the Bono Region, including Drobo on Tuesday, Sampa on Wednesday, Wenchi on Thursday, and Techiman on Friday. The TCDA team will engage farmers, processors, and local authorities through forums, radio discussions, and field visits.
“The purpose is to educate all stakeholders on TCDA’s mandate, strengthen collaboration, and promote sustainable production,” Dr. Okrah explained. “We want every actor along the value chain to see themselves as partners in building a globally competitive cashew industry.”
Development partners such as GIZ, USAID, and SNV are providing technical and financial support, while financial institutions are being encouraged to design inclusive products for cashew farmers and processors. Local assemblies and transport service providers have also been identified as vital links in ensuring efficient logistics and community participation.
The TCDA reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating all stakeholders under a unified plan that will make Ghana one of Africa’s leading cashew producers. The Authority believes a well-structured and collaborative approach will deliver growth, jobs, and increased export earnings for the nation.
Read the full statement below!
CASHEW STAKEHOLDERS – TCDA
Stakeholders in the Cashew Industry
- Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA)
TCDA is the regulatory and coordinating body for tree crops in Ghana, including cashew. It oversees the development, promotion, and regulation of the sector to ensure sustainable growth and value chain integration. - Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)
MoFA provides policy direction, technical support, and extension services for the development of the cashew industry. - Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
GEPA supports the promotion and marketing of cashew and its products in both domestic and international markets. - Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
Responsible for setting and enforcing quality standards and certification for cashew products to meet international requirements. - Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
Regulates and monitors export and import activities related to the cashew trade, ensuring compliance with trade and tax regulations. - Research Institutions (CRI, FORIG, Universities)
Conduct research on improved planting materials, pest management, processing techniques, and value addition to enhance productivity. - Cashew Farmers and Farmer Associations
Smallholder and large-scale farmers involved in the cultivation and primary production of cashew nuts. Associations advocate for farmers’ welfare and market access. - Processors and Exporters
Entities involved in processing raw cashew nuts into kernels and exporting them to international markets. They play a crucial role in value addition and job creation. - Buyers and Aggregators
Middlemen who purchase raw cashew nuts from farmers for sale to processors or exporters. - Financial Institutions
Provide funding and financial services for actors along the cashew value chain. - Development Partners and NGOs (e.g., GIZ/ComCashew, USAID, SNV, etc.)
Offer technical and financial support, training, and capacity building to stakeholders in the cashew industry. - Transporters and Logistic Service Providers
Facilitate the movement of raw cashew nuts and processed products from farms to markets and ports. - Local Authorities (District Assemblies)
Support cashew sector initiatives, provide local infrastructure, and facilitate community-level stakeholder engagement. - Input Suppliers
Supply inputs such as seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm tools for cashew cultivation. - Media and Advocacy Groups
Promote awareness, share information, and highlight opportunities and challenges in the cashew sector.
Attached is the itinerary!
TREE CROP DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TCDA)
CASHEW VALUE CHAIN DIRECTORATE
ITINERARY FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF SENSITIZATION (CASHEW VALUE CHAIN ACTIVITIES)
DAY 1 – MONDAY
Departure from Accra to Bono Region
Courtesy call on Regional Minister
Meeting with Regional Director of Agriculture
Media briefing on TCDA activities and objectives of the sensitization program
DAY 2 – TUESDAY
Drobo – 4/11/25
Interaction with District Director of Agriculture
Stakeholder meeting with cashew farmers and processors
Distribution of sensitization materials and flyers
Radio discussion on cashew sector development
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY
Sampa – 5/11/25
Courtesy call on MMDCEs
Meeting with cashew farmer associations
Sensitization on TCDA’s role and mandate
Discussions on challenges in cashew production and marketing
DAY 4 – THURSDAY
Wenchi – 6/11/25
Stakeholder engagement with exporters, aggregators, and processors
Field visit to cashew plantations
Interaction with traditional authorities and opinion leaders
Community forum on value addition and local processing
DAY 5 – FRIDAY
Techiman – 7/11/25
Sensitization with cashew farmers, buyers, and transporters
Radio interview on the role of TCDA in promoting cashew development
Wrap-up and departure to Accra
OBJECTIVES OF THE SENSITIZATION
- To educate stakeholders on TCDA’s mandate and activities
- To strengthen collaboration among value chain actors
- To promote sustainable cashew production and processing
- To create awareness of the benefits of value addition and export standards
