The Tree Crop Development Authority has opened a regional office in Sunyani, Ghana, to bring its services closer to farmers, processors, aggregators, and traders. The office aims to improve productivity, quality assurance, value addition, and market access. Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, inaugurated the office, emphasizing its importance for sustainable agricultural development in the region. The office will facilitate registration and licensing, strengthen compliance and enforcement, and enhance traceability in the Authority's value chain.
The Bono Region has significant potential in tree crop production, particularly in cashew, cocoa, coconut, and oil palm sectors. Developing these sectors can enhance the livelihoods of the people and boost the economy. The regional office will provide a platform for stakeholders to access services and adopt climate-smart practices. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to take advantage of the office and its services. The Regional Coordinating Council has assured its support for the TCDA's operations and services.
The Tree Crop Development Authority Act 2019, Act 1010, and the LI 2471 were discussed at a stakeholder's forum in Sunyani. The forum aimed to sensitize the public on the Authority's mandate and services. The tree crops sector is central to the government's 'Reset Ghana' agenda, which seeks to transform the economy, create employment opportunities, and promote value addition. The development of the tree crops sector aligns with the reset agenda.
The 'Reset Ghana' agenda aims to move Ghana from simply producing and exporting raw commodities to producing, processing, and creating greater value at home. The Authority prioritizes cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea development, offering opportunities for diversification and industrialization. Processing agricultural products locally creates jobs and builds industries around farms, providing opportunities for young people.
The Conveyance Certificate System, which ensures traceability, has been lauded by the Bono Regional Minister. He emphasized that traceability builds confidence and quality builds markets. Quality must begin from the farm with certified planting materials and minimum producer prices, which are key to giving farmers confidence. The Authority's services will improve the overall quality of tree crops in the region.
The establishment of the regional office is an important milestone in the collective efforts to strengthen the tree crop sector and promote sustainable agricultural development in the region. The office will provide a platform for stakeholders to access services, adopt climate-smart practices, and improve productivity. The TCDA's services will also enhance value addition and market access for farmers and stakeholders.
The Bono Regional Minister has assured stakeholders that the Regional Coordinating Council will support the TCDA's operations and services. He urged farmers and stakeholders to take advantage of the office and its services. The Authority's services will improve the livelihoods of the people and contribute to the growth of the economy. The regional office is expected to make a positive impact on the tree crop sector in the region.
Key points
- The Tree Crop Development Authority's regional office in Sunyani aims to decentralize operations and improve traceability in the value chain.
- The office will provide a platform for stakeholders to access services, adopt climate-smart practices, and improve productivity.
- The establishment of the office is an important milestone in promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.
