Ghana to end raw cashew, shea and rubber exports – Agric Minister
Government has announced plans to phase out the export of raw cashew, shea nuts and unprocessed rubber as part of a sweeping reform to industrialise Ghana’s tree crops sector.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, made the declaration at the opening of the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 in Accra, where he outlined a new strategy focused on value addition, processing and structured sector regulation.
“Our commitment to value addition is unwavering. Ghana will not remain content with exporting raw cashew, raw shea nuts or unprocessed rubber,” the Minister stated. “We are deliberately encouraging investment in processing facilities, agro-industrial parks, downstream manufacturing and export-ready products.”
According to him, the policy shift is aimed at transforming the tree crops industry from a largely fragmented production system into an organised, investment-ready and industrially driven sector capable of generating jobs and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
From Raw Commodities to Industrial Processing
Hon. Opoku acknowledged that while production of tree crops has expanded over the years, the country has not fully captured the economic value of its commodities due to limited processing capacity.
“For many years, Ghana’s tree crop sector expanded largely through private initiative and individual effort. Production increased, but coordination was limited. Regulation was weak, and value addition did not match potential,” he said.
He explained that government’s objective is to move “from fragmented production to organized value chains; from raw export to industrial processing; and from untapped potential to measurable prosperity.”
Through the Tree Crops Development Authority, the Ministry is strengthening regulatory oversight, improving data systems, enhancing compliance mechanisms and creating a predictable operating environment for investors.
“Regulation is not an obstacle to growth — it is the foundation of sustainability and investor confidence,” he emphasized.
Productivity and Farmer Support
To support the transition to local processing, the Minister disclosed that government is distributing certified early-yielding seedlings, strengthening extension services tailored to tree crop agronomy and establishing farmer training centres in major production zones.
He added that nucleus-outgrower schemes are being promoted to ensure consistent raw material supply for processors, while traceability systems are being developed to meet international market standards.
Hon. Opoku stressed that farmers remain central to the reform agenda, noting that improving yields, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening cooperatives are key priorities.
“Policy must translate into impact,” he said.
Investment Opportunities
The Minister used the summit to court local and international investors, describing Ghana as offering “structured opportunity” with favourable agro-ecological zones, political stability and expanding regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Opportunities exist, he said, in plantation development, cashew processing, shea-based cosmetics, industrial rubber applications, coconut derivatives and palm oil integration.
“This summit has been designed not merely as a platform for speeches, but as a marketplace for partnerships,” Hon. Opoku noted, expressing confidence that the event would generate concrete investment deals.
The Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 is expected to catalyse private capital mobilisation and accelerate the country’s transition from raw commodity exports to a value-driven, industrial tree crops economy.
