Kumasi: The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), responsible for regulating the cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm sectors, has honoured exceptional contributors to the tree crops value chain. The award ceremony took place during a gala night, marking the conclusion of the 2026 Tree Crops Summit and Exhibition. This event revolved around the theme: 'Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana's Green Economy.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the honorary category saw President John Dramani Mahama being awarded the Most Outstanding Tree Crops Icon/Ambassador/Promoter, while the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was named Most Outstanding Innovative Tree Crop Farmer and Processor. Additionally, Mr Eric Opoku, Member of Parliament for Asunafo South and Minister for Food and Agriculture, was recognized for his significant role in the enactment of the TCDA Act. Former Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi and Mr Akoto Owusu Afriyie, were also acknowledged for their efforts in initiating, promoting, and implementing the TCDA concept.
Other honorees included Mr Seth Osei Akoto, MP for Atwima Mponua, and Mr William Quittoo, the first Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, for their contributions to the passage of the TCDA Act, 2019, and the establishment of the Authority. In the general category, Dr Erasmus Nartey Tetteh of Food Advancement Ghana stood out as a top performer, earning four awards across the rubber, mango, and coconut value chains.
Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited secured three awards in the oil palm category. Chief Adams Tampuri, President of the Ghana Cashew Council and head of Chief Adams Farm, was awarded the Tree Crop Champion Award. Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, highlighted Ghana's impending economic revival driven by increased investment, improved marketing, and value addition in the agriculture sector. She emphasized the government's focus on agribusiness development by creating a dedicated Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, stated that the awards scheme aims to inspire competitiveness and attract investment into the tree crops sector. 'It is our way of setting standards and building a culture of performance within the industry,' he said. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Chief Tampuri praised the Authority for the initiative but encouraged it to broaden its scope to recognize more key players in the sector.