Each region will develop a minimum of 1,000 hectares of the six regulated tree crops: cashew, oil palm, coconut, shea, mango and rubber, bringing the total to 16,000 hectares of new plantations nationwide.

The initiative, dubbed “The Legacy Project,” forms a central pillar of the overarching agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, who has set a clear national vision to deliver a major push for the transformation and industrialisation of the tree crops sector.

It has, therefore, been positioned as one of the defining legacy interventions under his leadership, backed by the strategic direction of the TCDA board and the Chief Executive, Dr Andy Osei Okrah.

A press statement issued by the authority said under the programme, the six crops would be cultivated based on regional comparative advantages — with each region focusing on the crop most suited to its soil type, climate, ecological conditions and existing production strengths.

“This approach ensures efficiency, maximises productivity and aligns with the government’s strategic policies to develop all six tree crop value chains in a balanced and sustainable manner,” it said.

Economically, the Legacy Project was designed to uplift livelihoods across districts and rural communities, as well as promote value addition and downstream processing, it added.

The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with a strong focus on opportunities for youth and women, while promoting agro-processing, export growth and local economic development in line with government policy.

Parliamentary briefing

Following the board’s approval, Dr Okrah briefed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs on the project, with a special focus also on the oil palm sector during his recent invitation by the committee.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East and Chairman of the committee, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, together with the MP for Offinso South and Ranking Member, Isaac Yaw Opoku, commended the TCDA for its bold and visionary leadership.

The two also endorsed the initiative as a transformative step for Ghana’s tree-crop sector.

A member of the governing board, Sadat Kishiwale, praised the CEO of TCDA for implementing the President's audacious initiative.

He said The Legacy Project would not only serve as a cover for some depleted forests in the mining areas, but also redefine the future of Ghana's tree crops industry under the national development vision of President Mahama.