President Mahama appoints Andy Osei Okrah as Acting CEO of TCDA

GHANA – Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Andy Osei Okrah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).

Mr. Okrah, who previously served as the Director of Human Resources at the Forestry Commission, was also the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister during President Mahama’s first administration.

Speaking at his official resumption of duty in Accra, Mr. Okrah expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to work diligently to promote the growth and development of Ghana’s tree crops industry.

“Ghana’s tree crops sector holds immense potential to transform lives, create jobs, and significantly boost our national economy. From cashew to shea, mango to coconut, rubber to oil palm—these crops are a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be fully harnessed,” he stated.

Mr. Okrah emphasized that his primary focus would be on regulating and developing the sector sustainably, ensuring that production, processing, and trading activities align with global best practices.

“We will collaborate with stakeholders—farmers, processors, traders, exporters, donors, and partners—to address the industry’s challenges and create an enabling environment for growth,” he added.

He also assured his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors and elevating TCDA to greater heights. 

He highlighted the role of research and development, capacity building, and market access in making the tree crops sector a key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation.

“Together, we will make TCDA an authority of choice—a great place to work and do business with,” he pledged.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Okrah expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the opportunity and thanked the media and colleagues for their warm reception and support.

“I call on all stakeholders to join hands as we work toward a brighter future for Ghana’s tree crops sector,” he urged.

The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) was established by the Tree Crops Development Authority Act 2019 (Act 1010) to regulate and develop the production, processing, and trading of six tree crops: cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm. 

The authority plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing the value chain of these crops.

Ghana is currently the world’s third-largest exporter of unprocessed cashew nuts, trailing Ivory Coast and Cambodia. 

Around 300,000 Ghanaians depend on cashew farming for their livelihood, with the country producing approximately 180,000 tonnes annually. 

However, more than 80 percent of Ghana’s cashew exports are in raw, unshelled form, generating about US$300 million in export revenue but limiting higher-value processing opportunities.

In 2016, the government attempted to ban raw cashew exports to encourage local processing, but the policy was abandoned following strong opposition from farmers and traders.

With Mr. Okrah at the helm, the TCDA aims to drive policies that balance the interests of stakeholders while ensuring long-term growth and sustainability in Ghana’s tree crops sector.