The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has received a firm vote of confidence from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, which has pledged increased support to strengthen the Authority’s operations and impact across Ghana’s tree crop sector.
During a courtesy visit to the TCDA head office in Accra, the Committee commended the leadership of Dr Andy Osei Okrah, who assumed office as CEO on February 18, 2025.
Members noted the Authority’s renewed sense of direction, improved stakeholder engagement, and credible enforcement strategies in regulating and promoting six key tree crops: cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm.
Chairman of the Committee, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, described the Authority’s recent progress as “excellent,” despite operational challenges such as funding gaps and compliance issues.
“We are impressed with the strides made by the new leadership. The TCDA is clearly aligning itself with its mandate, and as a Committee, we are ready to partner more closely to ensure its success. We believe in a stronger, well-resourced TCDA that serves every actor along the value chain,” he said.
The committee pledged to work with TCDA on policy advocacy, capacity-building programs, and legislative reviews that will further empower the Authority and promote growth in the sector.
In his remarks, TCDA CEO Dr Andy Osei Okrah welcomed the Parliamentary backing and emphasized the need for institutional collaboration.
“We cannot build a sustainable tree crop industry without strategic partnerships. This support from Parliament is crucial. We are focused on creating a robust value chain framework that ensures every farmer, processor, and trader benefits,” Dr Okrah noted.
The committee’s delegation included Vice Chairman Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Ranking Member Isaac Yaw Opoku, Deputy Ranking Member Seth Osei-Akoto, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo (Greater Accra Regional Minister), and other key members.
TCDA was established under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) with a mandate to regulate and develop a sustainable environment for the production, processing, and trading of industrial tree crops in Ghana.
Its mission is to diversify the country’s export earnings and improve livelihoods through a well-structured value chain system.
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