The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the rubber industry in the Western Region by engaging stakeholders to address critical issues affecting the sector.
An open forum for the interaction brought together various stakeholders, including the Rubber Outgrowers and Agents Association, executive members of ANRAG, farmers, processors, producers, traders, and other value chain operators.
The discussions on March 18, focused on establishing a strong working relationship to enhance economic growth and efficiency of the rubber sector across the region.
Key issues raised during the meeting included shortage of raw materials, plantation produce, inadequate technical support, lack of enforcement of laws and regulations and deteriorating roads leading to plantation sites.
Leading the engagement, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, Andy Osei Okrah, assured the stakeholders of the government’s commitment to supporting the industry through a well-structured management system. This includes establishing regional and zonal offices to strengthen monitoring, supervision and technical assistance.
“We are fully aware of the challenges facing the rubber industry, particularly the scarcity of raw materials. The government is actively working on measures to address this issue to ensure rubber sector can operate at optimal capacity and contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region and the nation as a whole” Dr.Okrah said.
As part of its tour, the TCDA delegation visited the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which operates two factories in the region with a combined processing capacity of 20 tonnes per hour. GREL currently manages over 13,093 hectares of land dedicated to rubber cultivation. Currently operating below their installed capacity as a result of raw material shortages.
The team also made a stop at Golden Latex Products Limited, a leading producer of medical gloves for industrial usage in Africa. Located in the Ahanta West District, the company relies heavily on rubber supply from the region to support its production.
Additionally, the delegation visited Yaeric Company Limited, one of the fastest-growing rubber processing and exporting companies in the region.
The Chief Executive Officer and his team held discussions with his zonal office members, focusing on strategies to revitalize the authority’s operations and enhance monitoring systems within the communities.
New keys were handed over to the Zonal Council office located at Ampimaniem, just opposite the GREL factory.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call to the CSIR department responsible for coconut operations in the area, allowing the TCDA team to gain first-hand insight into their activities.
The two days tour and engagement by TCDA Management to familiarize itself with the operation of the rubber industry in the Western Region forms part of broader effort to ensure the rubber sector thrives under improved regulation, enhanced supervision, and better collaboration among stakeholders.
