Ghana's cashew industry has the potential to generate over US$660 million in annual revenue with improved regulation, processing infrastructure, and export support, according to the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, presented the projection during a stakeholder engagement in Drobo, Bono Region. The forum brought together farmers, processors, aggregators, and traditional leaders to discuss reforms, pricing structures, and market expansion. The engagement also aimed to strengthen coordination across the value chain and deepen understanding of TCDA's regulations, licensing procedures, and pricing mechanisms.
Dr. Okrah described cashew as one of Ghana's key export crops that contributes to non-traditional export earnings and rural employment. He noted that weak regulation, inconsistent pricing, and limited local processing capacity have constrained the sector's economic growth. Cashew is one of six tree crops under the government's Tree Crops Development Agenda. Dr. Okrah said proper regulation, value addition, and export facilitation could allow the sector to exceed US$660 million in revenue each year.
He explained that TCDA is introducing measures to stabilize farm gate prices, enforce licensing, and promote transparency across the chain. These steps aim to protect farmers from market exploitation, attract investment into processing facilities, and strengthen Ghana's role as a cashew exporter in West Africa.
The Authority is developing a national pricing framework to guide buyers, processors, and exporters. This framework is expected to create predictability and fairness in the market and provide benefits for both farmers and investors. Dr. Okrah noted that the effectiveness of these policies will depend on collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, aggregators, and export agencies, to maintain supply and improve quality.
He said the long-term goal is to shift from raw nut exports toward a domestic processing system that generates employment and higher export earnings. Mr. Joseph Bashir Asibi, Municipal Coordinating Director of Jaman South, said the Assembly will support TCDA's efforts to promote production, enforce regulations, and encourage processing investment.
Industry experts suggest that with consistent policies, Ghana could match Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria in cashew exports while expanding domestic processing capacity. Ghana currently exports about US$300 million worth of cashew annually, with more than 90% shipped as raw nuts.
The cashew industry supports about 300,000 farmers and an additional 200,000 people in trading, transport, and processing. Production is concentrated in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. In 2020, Ghana exported around 139,743 tons of raw cashew nuts worth US$251.4 million, mainly to Vietnam and India for processing.
TCDA's focus on regulation and processing forms part of government efforts to diversify agricultural exports beyond cocoa and strengthen the broader tree crops development agenda.
Source: NewsGhana
