Ghana’s cashew production has suffered a sharp decline, with output dropping by 30% in the 2024 season, according to the Africa Cashew Alliance (ACA).
The country produced only 161,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts this year, down from 230,000 metric tonnes in 2023.
To tackle challenges in the sector, the ACA, in partnership with GIZ/MOVE-ComCashew and with funding from the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), has launched the Master Training Programme (MTP).
The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s cashew industry through capacity building and innovation.
The five-day programme brought together 103 participants from eight West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
The training focused on strategies to maximize the cashew value chain and improve sustainability in production.
Participants included key players from primary production, processing, and research sectors.
Ernest Mintah, Managing Director of the ACA, emphasized that the programme is designed to address critical industry challenges.
“This training is tailored to equip industry players with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome production hurdles and unlock the full potential of Africa’s cashew sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Cocoa Research Institute (CRIG) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cashew production.
Dr. Kofi Owusu Domfeh, Acting Executive Director of CRIG, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop climate-resilient cashew varieties.
“CRIG is dedicated to breeding pest-resistant and high-yielding cashew varieties to sustain the industry amid climate challenges,” he stated.
Dr. Solomon Gyan Ansah, Director of Crop Services at MoFA, assured stakeholders of the government’s dedication to high-quality cashew production.
“The Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to ensure high-quality cashew production and restore Ghana’s position in the global market,” he said.
As part of the programme, participants visited the Wenchi Agricultural Research Centre, where Municipal Chief Executive Gloria Opoku Gyamfi pledged to protect research lands for the benefit of Ghana’s cashew sector.
“We are committed to safeguarding these research fields to support sustainable cashew production for future generations,” she declared.
With this new training initiative and collaborative efforts, stakeholders are optimistic about reviving Ghana’s cashew industry and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.
