Accra: Speakers at a cashew session of the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition have called for reforms to promote local processing, improve financing, and strengthen value addition. The Summit, organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority in partnership with the World Bank, the Bank of Ghana, GIZ, and other partners, opened in Accra on the theme: 'Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana's Green Economy.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader, emphasized the importance of diversifying and prioritizing value addition in crops like cashew, drawing parallels with the global cocoa sector. He highlighted the economic impact of supply-demand imbalances, which have led to price fluctuations. Mr. Ayariga noted that while cashew supports over 200,000 farmers and contributes to export earnings, a significant portion of raw cashew nuts is exported without processing.
Mr. Ayariga expressed readiness to support legislative and fiscal measures to boost domestic processing and improve regulation. Mr. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Export-Import Bank, echoed the sentiment, stating that tree crops could drive economic transformation beyond primary production. He assured that the bank is committed to providing affordable financing for tree crops, which have long gestation periods.
Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapemhene, who chaired the session, called for improved productivity, sustainable land use, and tailored financial products for farmers and processors. He stressed the importance of sustainability and climate reliability, noting their role in carbon sequestration and land restoration.
The speakers concurred on the need for stronger policy consistency, investment coordination, and stakeholder collaboration to position Ghana as a competitive cashew processing hub within the green economy agenda.