The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has announced a sweeping regulatory clampdown on the movement of tree crop commodities across Ghana, as part of efforts to sanitize and formalize the sector.

The move was unveiled during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the TCDA and the Forestry Commission, aimed at strengthening enforcement through the Commission’s nationwide checkpoint system.

New system to track movement of crops

At the centre of the reforms is the rollout of a Conveyance Certification System (CCS), introduced under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2471, Section 55.

The system will regulate and track the transportation of six key tree crops—cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea—ensuring that all movements are properly documented and verified.

Dr. Osei Okrah explained: “The Tree Crops Development Authority, under its Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2471), Section 55, has introduced an operational monitoring system known as the Conveyance Certification System (CCS).”

He added that the system is designed to: “Enhance traceability, promote transparency, and ensure accountability throughout the entire tree crops value chain.”

Mandatory Certification for Transport

According to the TCDA CEO, the system is now fully operational nationwide and compliance is mandatory.

“Individuals or companies licensed by TCDA to trade in tree crop commodities must obtain a TCDA Conveyance Certificate before transporting these commodities within Ghana.”

He further clarified the purpose of the certificate: “The certificate serves as validation that the sourcing, trading, and movement of the commodities comply with standards approved by TCDA.”

The certificate can be obtained from TCDA zonal offices or at designated checkpoints.

Forestry Commission Partnership to Enforce Compliance

To ensure strict enforcement, the TCDA will rely on the Forestry Commission’s checkpoint infrastructure across the country.

The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the partnership as a major shift in regulatory coordination.

Dr. Osei Okrah stressed the significance of the collaboration: “This collaboration is particularly significant… as it reflects a deliberate national effort by state institutions to work in coordination rather than in isolation.”

He added: “By leveraging the Forestry Commission’s established monitoring checkpoints and TCDA’s regulatory mandate… this partnership will create a stronger, integrated national monitoring system.”

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

The TCDA has warned that failure to comply with the new directive will attract penalties.

“Failure to comply with CCS requirements may attract sanctions under TCDA regulations and other applicable laws.”

The Authority is urging all stakeholders—farmers, traders, transporters, and exporters—to strictly adhere to the new system.

Boosting Transparency and Investment

The TCDA believes the CCS will help curb illegal trade and improve sector governance.

“The implementation of the CCS is anticipated to… curb theft and unauthorized transactions… improve oversight… and safeguard the credibility and long-term viability of Ghana’s tree crop industry.”

Dr. Osei Okrah also linked the initiative to national development goals under John Dramani Mahama.

“Through strengthened regulatory systems… we are laying the foundation for a more organized, disciplined, and competitive tree crops sector that can attract investment, expand processing opportunities, and create sustainable employment opportunities for Ghanaians.”

He described the MoU as a landmark step: “This marks the first time such comprehensive operational collaboration is being implemented at this scale.”

The rollout of the Conveyance Certification System signals a major turning point in how Ghana regulates its tree crops sector, with authorities tightening oversight to protect revenue, ensure transparency, and drive long-term growth.