The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andrews Osei Okrah, has assured the global cashew market that Ghana’s Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) for the 2025/2026 trading season are of very good quality, declaring the season officially open.

Dr Osei Okrah made this assurance while speaking at a panel discussion during the 12th World Cashew Conference in Dubai, a major global gathering of cashew traders, processors, investors, and industry leaders.

He dismissed earlier claims suggesting poor quality of Ghana’s cashew, stating that both quantity and quality for the season remain strong.

“Ghana’s Raw Cashew Nuts for the 2025/2026 season are of very good quality, and we expect a strong outturn with high Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR), as has been the case over the years,” he stated.

Dr Osei Okrah emphasised that Ghana operates a structured and traceable cashew supply chain, underpinned by a regulatory framework enforced by the Tree Crops Development Authority. 

He urged exporters and buyers to transact only with registered and licensed actors, noting that this enables the Authority to intervene effectively and resolve any operational or contractual challenges.

“When business is conducted within the regulated framework, the TCDA is better positioned to support stakeholders and protect the integrity of Ghana’s cashew industry,” he explained.

TCDA’s reforms in the cashew sector

Under the leadership of Dr. Osei Okrah, the TCDA has undertaken strategic reforms to streamline Ghana’s cashew industry, aimed at promoting sustainability, transparency, and global competitiveness. 

Key among these interventions is the extensive stakeholder engagement process that culminated in the official announcement and validation of the cashew price, which was undertaken jointly by stakeholders and value chain actors. 

Strengthening compliance and enforcement

As part of efforts to reinforce regulation across the tree crops sector, particularly the cashew industry, the TCDA recently commissioned its first cohort of Compliance and Enforcement Officers.

The officers have been mandated to work with security agencies and District Assemblies to enforce compliance, curb illegal trading practices, prevent smuggling, and protect farmers and licensed operators.

According to Dr Osei Okrah, the deployment of these officers marks a significant milestone in restoring market discipline and strengthening investor confidence. 

“The commissioning of our Compliance and Enforcement Officers gives real effect to our regulatory mandate and ensures that standards are upheld across the cashew value chain,” he said.