Image from TCDA’s engagement with stakeholders
The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) is intensifying efforts to enforce and educate stakeholders on its directive regarding the export of unprocessed rubber.
This follows a successful stakeholder forum held earlier in Tema, in the Greater Accra Region, and is part of a broader initiative to deepen understanding and promote compliance across the rubber value chain.
Anchored in Act 1010 and its accompanying Legislative Instrument (LI 2470), TCDA is renewing its public education efforts on the directive regulating the export of unprocessed rubber.
The Authority has begun regional engagements to clarify compliance requirements and address industry concerns.
At recent forums held in Agona Nkwanta (Western Region) and Assin Fosu (Central Region), TCDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, engaged farmers, traders, producers, and other value chain actors on the directive issued on May 2, 2025.
The directive mandates that all individuals and entities involved in the rubber, shea, or cashew sectors must obtain a written permit from the Authority before engaging in exports or related commercial activities.
“This is not about banning the industry. No one is shutting down rubber, shea, or cashew businesses. We are here to ensure that the right processes are followed. These directives are grounded in regulations passed by Parliament, and they are designed to promote local processing, create jobs, and ensure long-term sustainability,” Dr Okrah clarified.
Participants at the Agona Nkwanta forum raised concerns about market pricing, planting practices, and the need to involve more youth in rubber farming.
In response, Dr Okrah reaffirmed TCDA’s commitment to supporting stakeholders through capacity building, the provision of quality seedlings, and targeted research to boost productivity.
At the next stop in Assin Fosu, where the majority of participants were rubber farmers, Dr Okrah addressed widespread misconceptions that the Authority was banning rubber operations.
“We are not here in favour of any individual or company. This is a national directive, and our goal is to protect and develop the industry in a way that benefits all Ghanaians,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding rubber cultivation and prioritising value addition.
“Local industries must be fed with raw materials. We must move from exporting raw rubber to processing it locally—and that starts with planting more and adding value right here in Ghana,” he noted.
The events were attended by key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), the Ghana Police Service, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Advocacy Group (ANRAG), financial institutions, and other partner organisations, signaling strong national support for the initiative.
Dr Okrah concluded by encouraging stakeholders to continue sharing their experiences and insights to shape policies that will secure the future of Ghana’s rubber industry.
“This is a collaborative effort. The future of rubber depends on how well we work together today,” he said.
The forums mark a significant step in TCDA’s broader mission to regulate, support, and grow the six tree crops under its mandate, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous industry.
FKA/MA
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