The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) in collaboration with the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II) has held its second National Stakeholder Engagement and Sensitisation Programme in Sunyani in the Bono Region. This engagement is part of the Authority's ongoing national programme to enhance understanding and implementation of laws and regulations in Ghana's tree crops sector. The programme focused on the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and the Tree Crops Development Authority Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471).
The engagement brought together stakeholders from across the tree crops value chain and related institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, media practitioners, farmers, processors, traders, aggregators, and transporters. Discussions and presentations centered on key provisions of Act 1010 and L.I. 2471, covering registration and licensing, quality assurance, traceability, pricing, conveyance certification, enforcement, and compliance. The forum aimed to improve stakeholders' understanding of the legal and regulatory framework.
The programme was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, and the Board Chairman, Prof. William Oduro. The Bono Regional Minister was represented by an Assistant Director at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, Samuel Mbo. The Team Lead of GPSCP II, Juliana Ofori-Karikari, also supported the programme. The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of regulatory requirements and the responsibilities of various actors under the law.
Beyond sensitisation, the forum assessed the Authority's performance and achievements under its current management and discussed priorities for 2027 and beyond. It sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders under the law and strengthen collaboration between the TCDA and law enforcement agencies to improve compliance across the tree crops value chain. The participation of the Ghana Police Service and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
The engagement also created a platform to discuss practical challenges affecting the implementation of the regulatory framework and the need for stronger coordination among institutions responsible for ensuring compliance within the sector. Stakeholders discussed the importance of collective responsibility in regulating the tree crops sector. The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in implementing the regulatory framework.
In his remarks, Dr Andy Osei Okrah highlighted the Authority's achievements and performance and stressed the need for collective responsibility in regulating the tree crops sector. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and development in the sector. The engagement demonstrated the TCDA's commitment to engaging stakeholders and promoting compliance with laws and regulations governing the tree crops sector.
The TCDA's stakeholder engagement programme is a significant step towards promoting sustainable growth and development in Ghana's tree crops sector. The programme has enhanced stakeholders' understanding of the legal and regulatory framework and strengthened collaboration among value-chain actors and law enforcement agencies. The TCDA will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and promote sustainable growth in the sector.
Key points
- The TCDA held a stakeholder engagement programme in Sunyani to deepen understanding of laws and regulations governing Ghana's tree crops sector.
- The programme focused on the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and the Tree Crops Development Authority Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471).
- The engagement brought together stakeholders from across the tree crops value chain and related institutions to discuss key provisions and practical challenges.
