Accra: Ghana has the potential to earn at least US$12 billion annually from six key tree crops by 2030, according to the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA). The crops, cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea, are being positioned as major economic drivers beyond cocoa under the Authority's Vision 2030 strategy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, stated in an interview that the goal is to generate an average of two billion dollars annually from each of these tree crops. Dr Okrah expressed confidence that with the necessary investment, the revenue target could even be surpassed.
The Authority has adopted a comprehensive strategy focusing on expansion, credibility, visibility, and enforcement to achieve its vision. Expansion involves increasing farm acreage, improving yields, and enhancing value chains to maximise returns. Dr Okrah highlighted the importance of farmers adopting best agronomic practices and ensuring financial returns.
On the credibility front, Dr Okrah emphasized strengthening staff capacity and providing technical assistance, pest control services, and other resources to support farmers. Enhancing the Authority's visibility is also crucial to attracting investors and strategic partners. Efforts are being made to engage stakeholders and the media while building a strong corporate brand.
To ensure effective regulation, the TCDA has established monitoring teams to oversee production, enforce licensing and registration, and combat illicit activities across value chains. Dr Okrah underscored the importance of regulating value chains to retain revenue within Ghana, thereby creating jobs and an enabling business environment.
Dr Okrah further noted that the development of the tree crop sector could reduce Ghana's reliance on external financial assistance. The TCDA was established under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010), with the mission to transform these crops into major foreign exchange earners, diversify agricultural exports, and support job creation, industrialisation, and rural development.