The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) is intensifying its efforts to enforce and educate stakeholders on its directive regarding unprocessed rubber exports. 

This move follows a successful high stakeholder forum earlier held at Tema in the greater Accra Region, which aims at deepening understanding and compliance across the rubber value chain.

Anchored in Act 1010 and its accompanying Legislative Instrument (LI 2470), the Authority has embarked on regional engagements to clarify compliance requirements and address industry concerns.

Forums

In recent forums held at Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region and Assin Fosu in the Central Region, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, engaged farmers, traders, producers and all 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 export or related commercial activities.

“This is not about banning the industry. No one is shutting down rubber, shea, or cashew businesses,” Dr Okrah clarified.

“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,” he said.

Concerns

Participants at the Agona Nkwanta forum expressed concerns over market pricing, planting practices, and the need for increased youth involvement in rubber farming.

In response, Dr Okrah reaffirmed TCDA’s commitment to supporting stakeholders through capacity-building, provision of quality seedlings, and targeted research to boost productivity.

The TCDA's next stop was at Assin Fosu, where the majority of participants were rubber farmers.

At the event, Dr Okrah addressed widespread misconceptions that the authority was banning rubber operations and that “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 also underscored the importance of planting more rubber and focusing on value addition.

“Local industries must be fed with raw materials. We must move from exporting raw rubber to processing 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, signalling strong national support for the initiative.

Dr Okrah concluded by encouraging stakeholders to continue sharing their experiences and insights with others to shape policies that would secure the future of the country’s rubber industry.

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 future for Ghana’s agricultural economy.