Ghana’s Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has dismissed claims that the minimum producer price for cashew was GHS 25 per kilogram. The authority described these claims as misinformation. The official minimum producer price announced for 2024 was GHS 8.50 per kilogram.
The highest minimum price set for the 2025 season reached GHS 15.00 per kilogram. For the current 2026 season, the calculated minimum producer price was GHS 11.16 per kilogram. The government, through the TCDA, increased this price to GHS 12.00 per kilogram to provide additional support to farmers.
This clarification puts the spotlight on the regulated agricultural sector, a crucial part of Ghana's economy. Tree crops, such as cashew, contribute significantly to farmer livelihoods and export revenues. Accurate price information is vital for maintaining transparency and trust within the agricultural supply chain.
The TCDA stated that cashew farmgate prices are not arbitrarily set. A consultative process involving stakeholders across the value chain determines these prices. This process considers international Free on Board (FOB) prices, exchange rate trends, and operational costs. Prices in neighboring countries currently range between GHS 7.15 and GHS 8.00 per kilogram.
For instance, Burkina Faso offers between GHS 7.55 and GHS 7.80, while Côte d’Ivoire pays between GHS 7.85 and GHS 8.00. Benin’s prices fall between GHS 7.36 and GHS 7.50, and Togo offers between GHS 7.15 and GHS 7.30. Ghana’s minimum cashew producer prices have consistently remained among the highest in the sub-region, supporting local farmers.
The Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010), established the TCDA. Its mandate includes regulating and developing the production, processing, and trading of key tree crops. These crops include cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to improving farmer incomes through value addition. This includes initiatives like cashew apple processing. Such efforts align with the government’s broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda, aiming to boost economic growth.
The TCDA urged the public, media practitioners, bloggers, and stakeholders to verify information from official sources before publication. Accurate information is essential for protecting farmer interests and maintaining market confidence. It also promotes sustainable growth in the cashew industry, which is a significant export commodity for Ghana.
The TCDA’s proactive communication aims to ensure that public discourse on the sector remains informed by verified facts. This approach helps prevent market distortions and protects farmers from speculative practices. Continuous monitoring of international prices and local production costs will shape future pricing decisions.
Stakeholders, including farmers, buyers, and processors, will closely watch the TCDA’s adherence to fair pricing mechanisms. The success of the cashew sector relies on stable pricing and consistent support for value addition. This ensures Ghana's competitive edge in the global cashew market.