HON. JOSEPH ADDAE AKWABOA MEETS TCDA CEO TO DISCUSS GHANA’S TREE CROPS INDUSTRY

On 25th February 2025, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, held a productive meeting with Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, the CEO of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), at the Minister’s office at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council. The meeting primarily focused on exploring the potential of Ghana’s tree crops industry, with a specific emphasis on cashew production, processing, and exportation.

During the meeting, Dr. Okrah shared valuable insights into the TCDA’s ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tree crop development. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and driving economic growth through the sector. Dr. Okrah urged for more investment partnerships to improve cashew processing capacity, ensuring that raw cashew nuts are processed locally rather than exported in their raw form.

Dr. Okrah expressed confidence that with the right support, the Bono Region could emerge as a major hub for cashew production and processing, ultimately improving employment and livelihoods. Dr. Okrah’s dedication to transforming the tree crops industry and his vision to position Ghana as a leading player in the global tree crops market impressed the Regional Minister.

The two also discussed the significance of public-private partnerships, research and development, and capacity building as essential factors for fostering growth and competitiveness within the industry.

Hon. Akwaboa expressed his enthusiasm about the prospects for collaboration, stating his commitment to supporting the TCDA’s efforts in unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s tree crops sector, particularly cashew which is in abundance in the Bono Region.

However, during the engagement, the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Akwaboa, expressed concern about the growing issue of illegal mining (galamsey) in the region. He revealed that some cashew farmers have resorted to selling their farmlands to illegal miners, a situation he described as a significant threat to the cashew industry and environmental sustainability.

The minister emphasized that those caught engaging in illegal mining activities would face the full force of the law and reaffirmed his commitment to combating galamsey in order to protect farmlands and ensure the long-term sustainability of tree crops in the region.

“We cannot allow illegal mining to destroy our lands and jeopardize the future of the cashew industry,” Hon. Akwaboa stated. “The government is committed to ensuring that our farmers and investors thrive in a secure and sustainable environment.”

Both parties agreed that continued collaboration would help further develop the industry, benefiting farmers and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region and country.