Government is intensifying its efforts to clamp down on the illegal transportation and smuggling of the country’s tree crops to and from neighbouring countries, following the appointment of eight-five persons as compliance and enforcement officers.

The officers, forming the maiden cohort under the Tree Crops Development Authority, are expected to fight unfair trade, illegal imports and exports of the crops while enforcing payment of statutory levies and taxes.

The move is expected to eliminate illegality, promote fairness and ensure sustainable growth across the tree crop value chain as Ghana sets to harness the sector’s economic prospects.

The officers, comprising 70 males and 15 females, underwent rigourous months of physical and knowledge-based training on the legal mandates of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).

Ghana’s cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea value chain continue to face myriads of challenges impacting their growth to support the local economy.

Owing to the persistent influx of imported crops in defiance of regulatory requirements, Ghana is yet to reap the economic benefits of these sectors.

The deployment of the officers is expected to complement efforts in fighting against illegal and unregulated activities in the sector.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, says the initiative will protect the tree crop sector and eliminate the plaguing influx of illegal imports and exports.

“This Compliance and Enforcement Unit is not intended to intimidate, but rather to educate and protect farmers and value chain actors, safeguard investments, enforce standards, and restore confidence within the sector. It is a clear signal that the government is determined to curb illegal practices, eliminate non-compliance, and promote responsible participation that supports productivity, revenue generation, and national development across the tree crops sector,” he said.

The sector minister further highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the activities of the Authority to significantly contribute to the ‘Agriculture for Economic Transformation and Feed Ghana’ initiatives.
“The Nkoko ntiti, Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), flagship initiatives under AETA being implemented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, highlights TCDA’s pivotal catalytic role within this framework, particularly under the Feed the Industry component, which focuses on supplying raw materials to support local industry,” Mr. Opoku noted.

He continued that: “With the establishment of this Compliance and Enforcement Unit, I am confident that the future of Ghana’s tree crops sector is bright and well-positioned to make an even stronger contribution to national economic growth”.

Chief Executive of the TCDA, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, says the taskforce will be collaborating with other security agencies to bring sanity to the tree crops sector.

“The issuance of Conveyance Certificate from TCDA and use of TCDA branded sacks will stop the over harassment and extortion of our valued customers or stakeholders on our roads. When our colleagues see the genuine CC or permit from TCDA they must allow the free flow of our products or produce,” he said.