TCDA honours Prez. Mahama, Asantehene, others

… at inaugural tree crops summit

 By Bob Roco ROMEO

The (TCDA) has honoured President John Dramani Mahama and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the inaugural Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit, underscoring the government’s push to reposition the sector as a pillar of industrial growth.

The three-day event, held from February 17 to 20, brought together policymakers, investors and smallholder farmers in what officials described as a defining moment for the country’s regulated tree crops industry, which spans cocoa, cashew, mango, coconut, rubber and shea.

At a gala ceremony, President Mahama was named the nation’s ‘Most Outstanding Tree Crops Icon’, in recognition of what organisers described as his advocacy for agribusiness-led industrialisation.

The Asantehene was honoured as ‘Most Outstanding Innovative Tree Crop Farmer and Processor’, reflecting his role in promoting commercial-scale farming and value addition. Eighteen other industry actors, including farmers, processors and exporters, were also recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to Mr. Mahama, said the awards aligned with what she termed an “economic reset”, centred on agriculture and industry.

She said the government intended to invest US$200mn in the sector to expand production capacity and support a 24-hour economy model aimed at deepening agro-processing and exports.

Mrs. Mogtari added that the recent restructuring of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry signalled a tighter alignment between trade and agricultural policy, designed to accelerate industrialisation and improve coordination across value chains.

According to her, investors at the summit cited currency stability, fiscal consolidation and greater policy predictability as factors improving Ghana’s investment climate. These conditions, she said, were helping to restore confidence in long-term agribusiness ventures.

The TCDA used the platform to highlight progress under its regulatory mandate, including the licensing of sector operators, the streamlining of export procedures and the introduction of levies to fund industry development. The authority said these measures were intended to formalise the sector, improve standards and ensure compliance across domestic and export markets.

Beyond policy and regulation, the summit placed emphasis on youth participation and generational renewal in farming. Among the awardees was Daniel Asimadi of Dedeyao, named ‘Best Coconut Farmer of the Year’. He welcomed the recognition and urged greater support for smallholder farmers and young people entering the sector.

He called on government and private investors to provide training, finance and equipment to expand youth involvement, arguing that tree crops offered viable income opportunities if backed by sustained investment.

“Government and private stakeholders investors should do more to equip the youth to do more farming as there are so many opportunities to make a living here in the country; especially crop farming,” he added.

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