Tree Crop Sector Will Give Ghana $12 Billion- CEO
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TDCA), Dr Andy Okrah, says the tree crop sector will rake $12 billion in revenue for Ghana when the needed investment is made.
According to him, cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm in Ghana are estimated to give the country $2 billion each annually.
“There are a lot of benefits we will reap if the needed investment is made in these crops. We would not need to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan. Aside from that, it will provide employment to the teeming youth,” he informed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, during a courtesy visit on July 25, 2025.
He said the farming drive will be done alongside industrialisation, where value will be added to raw materials for export.
According to him, the initiative will model a large-scale mango farming the King began years ago, and, therefore, implored His Majesty to offer his direction as well as leverage his influence to attract the support needed for the sector.
He added, “We need the support of Nananom for lands to embark on this drive.”
Investment Fair
Dr Okrah further informed Otumfuo about the upcoming Ghana Tree Crop Investment Fair and Exposition 2025 in Accra.
The event in September will be used to invite investors to invest in the country’s tree crop sector.
He humbly requested that Otumfuo honour the event by opening it.
Concerns
The Asantehene in his remarks decried the mad rush for white collar jobs by Ghanaians at the expense of profitable sectors like agriculture.
From His Majesty’s observation, the country does not appreciate agriculture enough.
“Ghanaians don’t understand farming. Everyone is after a white-collar job, but these crops will give us a lot of money. PBC established a shea butter factory in the north. It was abandoned. It was just recently I saw a government official inspecting it.
“Malaysia took the palm tree from Ghana and has developed through the crop, but why are we still at the same spot? The same is with coconut. We need to get intentional about farming, else we will remain the same.”
Strategic Financial Avenue
Otumfuo therefore encouraged the CEO and the Management of the TDCA to explore strategic avenues to secure funding to undertake the project.
“Undertake a feasibility study for the bankability of the project and submit a financial proposal to international financial agencies for funds. The finance minister doesn’t have money to dash you so explore other avenues.”
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
