The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) has planned to intensify regulation and compliance this year as part of a broader strategy to boost production of priority tree crops, including cashew, coconut, oil palm, and rubber.
The Authority believes that the renewed focus is aimed at strengthening the overall performance of the tree crop sector, driving higher yields, and supporting Ghana’s agro-industrial growth agenda.
Speaking at the passing out ceremony of TCDA compliance and enforcement officers in Kumasi, on Monday, January 26,2026, the Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, Dr. Andy Okrah, said value addition across the entire tree crop value chain will also be prioritised to enhance export earnings and improve farmer incomes.
After two weeks of intensive a d discipline training, TCDA, announced the official passing out of the first cohort of 85 compliance and enforcement officers, comprised of 15 females and 70 males, drawn from diverse professional and academic backgrounds that are crucial to driving the Authority’s strategic focus.
The TCDA needs the compliance and enforcement unit for:
1. Ensuring strict regulatory measures through registration and licensing
2. Enforcement of product quality management, standards a d traceability systems.
3. Effective collection of TCDA levies and taxes as prescribed by law.
4. Development of the value chains.
5. Data capturing analytics
According to him, stricter regulatory enforcement will ensure the sector thrives within the legal framework established by the state.
“Ghanaians should expect significant improvements in regulation and compliance across the cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea sectors. The industry will thrive based on the legal framework the nation has put in place,” Dr. Okrah stated.
He further disclosed that the government plans to distribute more than three million free seedlings to over 10,000 farmers nationwide to scale up production. In addition, the Authority intends to support value addition by expanding processing capacity, including the establishment of new factories and the provision of grants to existing processors to boost output and efficiency.
He emphasized that TCDA, by law, is the sole Authority responsible for regulating the 6 tree crops activities, setting their minimum producer prices and permitting their trade from start to exit.
TCDA works closely with relevant regulatory agencies, stakeholders and value chain actors to safeguard the tree crops industry.
This Compliance and Enforcement Unit will serve as a key catalyst in operationalising and executing the TCDA LI 2471 in realising the mandate of regulating and developing.
He mentioned that, only TCDA has the mandate of checking and issuing paperwork covering the 6 tree crops on transportation.
“Our colleagues- Police, Customs and Immigration officers, Assemblies must collaborate with us and ensure sanity,” he said.
He pointed out that, ” the issuance of Conveyance Certificate from TCDA and use of TCDA branded sacks will stop the over harassment and extortion of our valued customers or stakeholders on our roads. When our colleagues see the genuine CC or permits from TCDA they must allow the free flow of our products or produce.”
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, said this Compliance and Enforcement Unit is not intended to intimidate, but rather to educate and protect farmers and value chain actors, safeguard investments, enforce standards, and restore confidence with the sector.
“It is clear signal that Government, led by President Mahama is determined to curb illegal practices, eliminate non-compliance, and promote responsible participation that supports productivity, revenue generation, and national development across the tree crops sector.
To the Compliance and Enforcement officers passing out, let me emphasise that you are not merely graduates of a training programme, you are custodians and guardians of the rule of law. Particularly the Acts and Regulations governing the Authority under which you serve. Your work will demand integrity above convenience, discipline over compromise, and professional judgement over personal interest.
You will operate at the intersection of law enforcement, farmer engagement, private sector regulation, and public trust, while balancing the Internets of all value chain actors including traders, processors, aggregators, nursery operators, researchers and investors. I urge you to discharge your duties with fairness, restraint, courage, respect and professionalism,” he said.
By Benjamin Aidoo
