The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has launched a nationwide distribution of agricultural inputs to tree crop farmers across Ghana. This significant intervention aims to boost productivity and increase incomes for the approximately 1.6 million households dependent on the sector.
The initiative, launched at Mampong in the Ashanti Region, directly addresses critical challenges facing Ghana’s tree crop sector. Farmers will receive essential items like spraying machines, insecticides, tricycles, motorbikes, raincoats, long gloves, and Wellington boots. These inputs tackle issues such as limited access to quality planting materials, pest and disease control, and farmer safety, particularly for women in shea production.
This effort fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify its agricultural base and enhance export earnings beyond traditional cocoa. The tree crop sector, encompassing cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea (CCORMS), is vital for rural employment and agro-industrial development. Improving its competitiveness is crucial for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in farming communities.
Dr. Andy Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, emphasized that this intervention represents a renewed commitment. He stated, “We must develop competitive value chains that move from production at the farm level to processing, manufacturing, branding and access to higher-value markets.” This vision extends beyond input distribution to building a more resilient and competitive industry.
The government is also actively pursuing substantial investment in the sector. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with developing a US$500 million financing mechanism. This fund will establish 100,000 new oil palm plantations by 2032, signaling a long-term commitment to expanding high-value tree crop production. Traditional authorities are urged to make land available for this ambitious plan.
The distribution of inputs is ongoing across all regions, with monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure effective use. Yakubu Issifu, the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, confirmed the widespread rollout and encouraged young people to consider agriculture as a profitable career path. He highlighted the sector's potential for wealth creation and stable employment.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the government's support but also called for additional measures. Dr. Moses Kyere Nyansaye, National Cashew President, requested boreholes in farming communities to mitigate the impact of unreliable rainfall. He shared his personal success, earning over GHS 13 billion annually from his 400-acre cashew farm, as proof of the sector's profitability.
Rabiatu Abukari, President of the Ghana Shea Association, praised the provision of protective gear like gloves and boots for women farmers, which will reduce risks like snake bites. However, she raised concerns about high bank interest rates hindering businesses and advocated for policies to limit shea nut exports. Ms. Abukari urged for more local processing to retain value within Ghana and ensure supply for domestic industries, especially for initiatives like the 24-hour economy project.
The TCDA's overarching goal is to create a tree crops sector that is productive, resilient, competitive, and inclusive. This includes generating more jobs, increasing farmer incomes, and retaining greater economic value within Ghana. The 2026 intervention marks a strategic push to transform Ghana’s tree crops from raw commodities into a powerful engine for national prosperity.