Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l February 20, 2026
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has underscored the vast economic potential within Ghana’s tree crops sector, describing it as a key driver of the country’s future prosperity.
Speaking in a press interview during the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 at the Accra International Conference Center, Dr. Osei Okrah said the summit was organized to create nationwide awareness and attract both local and international investment into the sector.
According to him, many Ghanaians were previously unaware of the opportunities within the tree crops industry until the current administration prioritised the sector.
“About 90 percent of Ghanaians did not even know about tree crops as a structured economic area until recently. Yet this is an area that holds the key to job creation, export growth, and economic empowerment,” he stated.
He explained that the TCDA was established by an Act of Parliament — Act 1010 and Legislative Instrument (LI) 2471 — with the mandate to regulate and develop key tree crops in the country.
Dr. Osei Okrah noted that the Authority’s focus is on six strategic crops: cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea — collectively branded as “C-CORMS” (Cashew, Coconut, Oil Palm, Rubber, Mango and Shea).
“These are export commodities with high global demand. When we were in school, we called them cash crops because they generate foreign exchange. Yet production levels remain low because many people are not aware of the opportunities,” he said.
He emphasised that Ghana’s economic transformation should not rely solely on mineral resources but also on what he described as the “green economy.”
“This is not about gold. This is about the green economy. Just planting coconut alone presents enormous value across the value chain — from farming to trading, processing and export,” he stressed.
The TCDA CEO said the summit was designed not just as an event but as an investment platform to connect farmers, processors, exporters, financial institutions, and security agencies to streamline operations within the sector.
He disclosed that the Authority is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for investors, offering regulatory guidance, technical assistance, and support with quality seedlings to boost production.
“We don’t directly give out large loans, but we provide matching grants to selected processing companies, particularly in cashew and rubber. We also work closely with financial institutions and can recommend credible businesses for funding,” he explained.
Dr. Osei Okrah revealed that he had personally recommended an exporter to the Managing Director of GCB Bank for financial support, stressing that TCDA is committed to backing licensed and credible operators in the industry.
He added that government remains committed to strengthening the sector, noting that President John Mahama has clearly outlined policy directions aimed at expanding production, promoting value addition, and increasing exports.
“Our objective is to let the whole country and the whole world know about the opportunities in Ghana’s tree crops sector, attract investors, and ensure value addition. The demand is there — both locally and internationally — but production must increase,” he concluded.
The summit brought together stakeholders across the value chain to explore investment opportunities and chart a roadmap for sustainable growth in Ghana’s tree crops industry.
