Gov’t repositions tree crops sector for industrial growth – Eric Opoku
Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reposition Ghana’s tree crops sector as a structured, regulated and investment-ready engine of industrial growth.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, announced the policy shift at the opening of the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 in Accra, describing the sector as a key pillar of the country’s green economy agenda.
“We are deeply honored by your presence. It signals the highest level of national commitment to the development of Ghana’s tree crop sector and to the broader green economy agenda,” the Minister told participants, including international investors and development partners.
From Fragmented Growth to Structured Development
Hon. Opoku acknowledged that although production in the tree crops sector has expanded over the years, growth has largely been driven by private initiative with limited coordination and weak regulatory oversight.
“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 noted that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, government has taken a deliberate decision to transform the sector into an organized and industrially competitive space.
“Our objective is clear — to move from fragmented production to organized value chains; from raw export to industrial processing; and from untapped potential to measurable prosperity,” he stated.
Strengthening Regulation and Productivity
The Minister said the Tree Crops Development Authority is being strengthened to enhance regulatory oversight, improve data systems, tighten compliance mechanisms and create a predictable operating environment for investors and exporters.
“Regulation is not an obstacle to growth — it is the foundation of sustainability and investor confidence,” Hon. Opoku emphasized.
As part of productivity reforms, government is distributing certified early-yielding seedlings, expanding extension services tailored to tree crop agronomy and establishing farmer training hubs across major production belts.
He added that nucleus-outgrower arrangements are being promoted to ensure reliable raw material supply for processors, while traceability systems are being developed to meet international market standards.
Driving Value Addition
Hon. Opoku stressed that value addition will be central to the sector’s transformation.
“Our commitment to value addition is unwavering. Ghana will not remain content with exporting raw cashew, raw shea nuts or unprocessed rubber,” he declared.
Government, he said, is encouraging investment in processing facilities, agro-industrial parks, downstream manufacturing and export-ready products to create jobs, expand rural incomes and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Farmers and Investors Key to Success
The Minister underscored that farmers remain at the heart of the reform agenda, with interventions focused on improving yields, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening cooperatives.
He also assured investors of government’s readiness to facilitate business operations and remove bottlenecks.
“Ghana offers structured opportunity. We have suitable agro-ecological zones, a stable democratic environment, improving regulatory clarity and strong political will at the highest level,” he said.
The Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition 2026 is expected to generate strategic partnerships and mobilise private capital to accelerate industrial growth within the cashew, shea, rubber, coconut and oil palm value chains.
