Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited (ofi), a leading exporter of cocoa and cashew, has reaffirmed its partnership with Ghana’s Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to drive innovation and sustainability in the cashew sector.
A high-level delegation from ofi met with newly appointed TCDA leadership in Accra on April 24, 2025, signaling a renewed push to enhance farmer livelihoods, boost local processing, and expand Ghana’s footprint in global cashew markets.
Led by Raphael Yussif Amankwa, General Manager of ofi’s cashew business, the delegation engaged TCDA officials, including Ag. CEO Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, to align strategies for sectoral growth. Discussions centered on strengthening institutional frameworks, improving agricultural practices, and scaling value-added processing to reduce reliance on raw cashew exports.
Dr. Okrah outlined the Authority’s priority to revitalize Ghana’s cashew industry, emphasizing upgraded infrastructure and farmer support programs. “We are committed to building robust systems that empower farmers and processors alike,” he stated, highlighting plans to collaborate with private partners like ofi to achieve these goals.
Amankwa reiterated ofi’s holistic approach, which extends beyond raw material procurement to community-focused initiatives. “Our investments target long-term resilience,” he said. “By supplying high-yield seedlings, training farmers in sustainable practices, and promoting income diversification through ventures like beekeeping, we aim to uplift entire communities.”
The meeting underscored a shared vision to address systemic challenges in Ghana’s cashew sector, which employs over 300,000 smallholder farmers. Despite ranking among Africa’s top cashew producers, Ghana processes less than 10% of its annual yield domestically, a gap both parties aim to narrow through enhanced processing capacity and market access.
This collaboration arrives as global demand for sustainably sourced cashews grows. ofi, which operates extensive sourcing networks across West Africa, has positioned itself as a key player in ethical supply chains, while TCDA’s mandate to develop six tree crops, including cashew, aligns with Ghana’s broader agricultural modernization agenda.
Ghana’s cashew sector, however, faces persistent hurdles, from climate-related production risks to fluctuating global prices. Industry analysts note that partnerships blending public oversight with private sector efficiency could unlock transformative gains, particularly in rural economies.
As ofi and TCDA solidify their alliance, the focus turns to implementation. Success hinges on translating dialogue into actionable policies, such as subsidies for processing equipment, farmer credit schemes, and stronger quality controls to meet international standards. With the cashew season approaching, stakeholders await tangible progress that could redefine Ghana’s role in a competitive global market.
