The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening the rubber industry in the Western Region by engaging key stakeholders to address critical challenges affecting the sector.
The open forum brought together various industry players, including the Rubber Outgrowers and Agents Association, executive members of ANRAG, farmers, processors, producers, traders, and other value chain operators.
Discussions focused on fostering a strong working relationship to enhance economic growth and efficiency within the rubber sector.
Key issues raised included the shortage of raw materials, inadequate technical support, poor enforcement of laws and regulations, and deteriorating roads leading to plantation sites.
Leading the engagement, TCDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Andy Osei Okrah, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to supporting the industry through a well-structured management system.
This includes establishing regional and zonal offices to strengthen monitoring, supervision, and technical assistance.
“We are fully aware of the challenges facing the rubber industry, particularly the scarcity of raw materials. The government is actively working on measures to address this issue to ensure the sector operates at optimal capacity and contributes to job creation and economic growth,” Dr. Okrah stated.
As part of its tour, the TCDA delegation visited Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which operates two factories in the region with a combined processing capacity of 20 tonnes per hour. However, GREL is currently operating below its installed capacity due to raw material shortages.
The team also visited Golden Latex Products Limited, a leading African producer of medical gloves for industrial use. Located in the Ahanta West District, the company relies heavily on rubber supplies from the region to sustain production.
Additionally, the delegation toured Yaeric Company Limited, one of the fastest-growing rubber processing and exporting firms in the region.
The TCDA team held discussions with its zonal office members on strategies to revitalize operations and enhance monitoring systems within local communities. As part of this effort, new keys were handed over to the zonal council office in Ampain, located opposite the GREL factory.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call to the CSIR department responsible for coconut operations in the area, providing the TCDA delegation with firsthand insight into its activities.
This two-day tour and stakeholder engagement form part of TCDA’s broader effort to ensure the rubber sector thrives under improved regulation, enhanced supervision, and stronger collaboration among industry players.
EA/KA
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