The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) is worried over what it describes as a looming collapse of the local cashew processing industry, warning that the country’s 24-hour economy vision is under serious threat.

In a statement signed by its President, António Manuel Caramelo Raposo, the group points to policy inaction, raw material shortages, and lack of government support as the major drivers of a crisis that could spiral into a national employment disaster.

Foreign merchants, ACPG says, are flooding the sector and offering high prices to farmers for Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN), drawing supplies away from local processors.

“This unsustainable practice distorts the market, undermines the national value-addition agenda, and threatens the long-term viability of Ghana’s cashew sector,” the group warned.

The impact is already devastating. “Many ACPG member companies have either shut down or significantly downsized their operations.”

Secondary processors are also unable to operate at capacity because primary processors can no longer function.

“What began as an industrial challenge is now evolving into a national economic and employment crisis,” the statement said. Thousands of jobs are on the line, especially among youth and women in rural areas where cashew processing is a key source of income.

Despite existing policies meant to support local processing, ACPG notes that enforcement has been weak and ineffective.

“The sector continues to suffer from a policy vacuum,” the group added, calling on the media and civil society “to hold policymakers accountable and demand more than promises and policy documents.”

The imbalance in government attention has also drawn sharp criticism.

“Cashew, although one of Ghana’s top non-traditional export earners, receives minimal support compared to other agricultural sectors like cocoa,” ACPG stated.

The Association says this lack of investment is hampering Ghana’s broader industrialization and export diversification ambitions.

Calling for swift and decisive government action, ACPG is demanding emergency raw material buffers, low-interest working capital, tax reliefs, and power subsidies to keep processors afloat.

“Action is needed and fast.”

The Association insists that public awareness is critical.

“Many Ghanaians remain unaware that a vital local industry is collapsing before their eyes,” the group said, urging the media to help mobilize public support and pressure government to intervene.

Reaffirming its role as the united voice of cashew processors, ACPG declared its readiness to partner with government and stakeholders to drive reform and investment.