The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), in partnership with NIRAS, has hosted the maiden Cashew and Oil Palm Policy Dialogue under the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Program II (GPSCP II).
The dialogue, held on the theme “Building an Enabling Policy Environment for Developing a Competitive Oil Palm and Cashew Sector: Lessons from Around the World,” brought together policymakers, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for boosting competitiveness in Ghana’s cashew and oil palm sectors.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, stressed the vast potential of the two sectors to create jobs, diversify exports and improve livelihoods across the country.
He emphasised, however, that this potential could only be unlocked through a coherent and enabling policy and regulatory framework.
Participating in a panel discussion, Dr. Okrah outlined TCDA’s commitment to promoting transparency, regulations and licensing across its six mandated tree crops.
He noted ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Division to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of export commodities.
He also highlighted TCDA’s efforts in supporting the local economy by ensuring a steady supply of raw materials, while enhancing stakeholder engagement and communication across the value chain.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, the Chief Director of Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Paul Siamah, underscored government’s commitment to providing the right policy environment to drive growth in the cashew and oil palm industries.
Other dignitaries present included Ms. Julian Ofori Karikari, Team Lead of GPSCP II; Mr. Taylor Crabbe, NIRAS Consultant; Dr. Ashwini Sebastian, World Bank Team Lead for TCDP and Ms. Magdalena Wüst, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Ghana, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The dialogue, which also drew wide participation from development partners and value chain stakeholders, is expected to shape policies aimed at strengthening Ghana’s tree crops sector and enhancing its global competitiveness, particularly in cashew and oil palm.
